Wherefore Art Thou, Hermione?

Dances with Witches by Pearle

Summary: Severus Snape loses a magical bet. The consequences? The Tango! My answer to the codpiece challenge on Wiktt. HG/SS

Disclaimer: The characters, settings, etc., of the Harry Potter series are not mine; they belong to J.K. Rowling and Co. I promise to return them when I am through. Well, most of them anyway.

~~~~~ Dances with Witches ~~~~~

Chapter 34 – Wherefore Art Thou, Hermione?

Severus woke to the feeling of a soft warm body pressed up against his side, and the ticklish feeling of hair teasing his skin. He sleepily brushed away the strands of Hermione's hair tickling his nose. He could still smell her lavender shampoo as he turned onto his side and pulled her body closer, enjoying the feel of skin to skin. Her previous scents had utilised fruits and spices, it seemed she had moved on to florals now.

"Good morning, I trust you slept well?"

"Coffmpgy."

"What?"

"Coffee." Came the answer with a little more force.

Severus chuckled as Hermione burrowed under the covers. "Now that, I understood."

Hermione rolled onto her back and looked at him. "Did I ever tell you how much I hate mornings?"

"You never seemed to mind them before. Why now?"

She turned toward him and nuzzled into his chest, her hair flying into his face again. "Because usually it's a weekend, and we lie in. Wha tinee hhiss it?" she asked through her yawn.

"Would you care to try that again? In English this time?" he asked, amused by her annoyance.

"That was English. I asked what time is it?"

"It's not quite six a.m. And while I had the night off, it is back to work this morning. As much as I would like to lie in with you, I need to be at breakfast in the Great Hall in half an hour. What time do your classes start?"

"My first class is at eight." Hermione stretched before hiding back under the covers. "I usually get more than three hours of sleep," she mumbled into the pillow.

Severus smiled. Last night had been amazing. It had been the early hours of the morning when they had finally fallen asleep. "It would seem you require a bit more sleep if you are to function as a human being."

Hermione lifted her head and glared at him. "The ability to awake in the morning does not necessarily correlate with the ability to speak or move. I need coffee."

"Now that was actually concise and clear. What if I Floo the kitchens for a cup of coffee? You can wake up while I take a fast shower," he said with a smirk.

Hermione raised her head and stuck her tongue out before glaring at him.

"Lovely. Very mature."

"I've told you before, I'm not a morning person."

"I suppose I can Apparate you back to Cambridge before my classes start. I would rather you didn't splinch yourself due to lack of concentration. While I prefer certain parts of your anatomy, I would rather you remain whole as opposed to fragmented."

She glanced at the tent his body was creating with the sheets. "Speaking of body parts...?"

Severus shook his head. "A shower, breakfast, classes."

Hermione slid from the bed and headed for the bathroom. "Well, come on. The shower isn't going to take itself." She yawned as she crossed the threshold, mumbling to herself. "A shower, breakfast, and classes. I hate mornings."

Severus smiled as he followed her. There was something to be said for mornings, after all.

.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

Hermione was in a slightly better mood after showering, the hot water temporarily waking her up. She still had time for breakfast before heading back to school. "I don't know how you get by on so little sleep."

Severus was dressed in full Potions master regalia, his robes billowing out behind him as they walked to the Great Hall. "Years of practice. I don't believe I slept more than two hours a night during your seventh year. Potter was constantly off somewhere getting himself, or you and that idiot Weasley, or all three of you, into some kind of trouble on a regular basis. It was all I could do to patrol the corridors and see that the boy stayed put."

"Constant vigilance." She smiled as the students hurried to move out of their way, remembering what it was like to be here as a student herself.

He opened the door to the Great Hall and gestured for Hermione to enter.

"Ow!"

Hermione tried not to laugh as a young boy, probably a first-year, stood rubbing his head. He had evidently been shocked to see Professor Snape being cordial to someone, and had walked head-on into the doorframe, rather than through it. Severus's hand at the small of her back gently propelled her forward.

"Mr. Wells, you would do well to watch where you are going and not what I am doing unless we are in class."

"Yes, Professor."

Hermione seated herself between Severus and Professor Flitwick, wondering how the house-elves knew to set an extra place for her. Gratefully, she reached for the coffee carafe, hoping a jolt of caffeine would jump-start her system.

"Good morning, Severus, Hermione. I'm so glad you could join us for breakfast before you leave. I trust you enjoyed your birthday dinner, Severus?"

Hermione tried not to blush as she recalled the events of the previous evening.

"I did, Headmaster. Thank you for asking." Severus sipped at his coffee, not rising to the bait. Years of dealing with Albus allowed him to ignore the innuendo in the man's voice.

"Hermione, we never did get the chance to talk last night. Are you heading right back to Cambridge or do you have time this morning?" Minerva asked, taking the seat on the far side of Albus.

"I need to get back, I have classes this morning, but I will be here over the weekend for the Ministry Ball. Perhaps we can talk then. Is there something specific you needed to speak to me about?"

"No, child, nothing specific." She gave Severus an appraising look. "I just want to ask you a few questions about your upcoming apprenticeship. It can wait until we have more time."

Severus glared at the older witch. He had already assured her he would not spirit Hermione away. Education was important; he had no intentions of hindering her path to a Master position.

Hermione glanced at the time. "I really do need to be going."

"I shall walk you to the Apparition point."

"Albus, Minerva, Professor." Hermione nodded as she left. They exited through the back door of the Great Hall. "Where's Remus?"

Severus gestured to a heavy wood door that was partially hidden in the shadows a few feet further down the corridor. The door opened out to a small walkway leading to the main gates.

"Last night was a full moon. Potter should be here today to cover his classes. If the next two trials go well, I believe we will be ready to test the potion over Christmas break."

Hermione felt the tingle of magic on her skin as Severus cast "Do Not Notice" on them. "So, I guess I will see you Saturday."

One eyebrow rose questioningly. "Are you too tired for dinner tonight?"

"Tonight?" she asked, confusion evident in her voice.

"Yes, I understand if you would rather have a quiet evening alone, but I thought we could have an early dinner and maybe go over a few of the calculations that may need adjusting. Nothing too strenuous," he said with a smirk.

"But you had last night off."

"That was my birthday. Wednesday is my night off."

"Pizza Magic?"

Severus sighed wearily. "Fine, Pizza Magic. Hold on tight and I will Apparate us together."

Hermione held up her hand. "That's all right. I'm awake. You go ahead, classes start in a few minutes. You've got students to terrorise," she said with a grin.

"Very funny. You're sure you're awake enough to Apparate?" He would rather not see her splinch herself.

"I'm fine. I'll see you tonight." Hermione gave him a quick kiss before stepping back and Disapparating.

He smiled as he walked back to the castle, thinking about the previous night; his birthday had been most memorable: Hermione, her belly dancing, the chocolate...

"Don't forget The Thong, the deranged voice in his head reminded him.

Yes, The Thong. He wondered if she owned any other "Thongs". It was something he would have to remember to ask her.

.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

Hermione pulled out her burgundy dress robes and held them up in front of her.

"Nice, very nice lines. You'll look attractive," commented her mirror. Only the mirror attached to the inner door of her wardrobe was still charmed to speak, the rest had been quieted by a series of complicated wards and charms.

She didn't want to look "attractive". She wanted to look fabulous tomorrow night. The robes joined the other discarded articles of clothing littering her bed.

"What was wrong with those robes? I thought they were the nicest set you've looked at so far."

Hermione eyed the dress hanging to the side. Gold lamé. It looked like liquid gold. She would certainly stand out in a crowd in that. The cut was a cross between a Muggle gown and Wizarding dress robes. The neckline was cut deeper than she usually wore, showing off her cleavage to its fullest.

She was going with Severus. They seemed to attract attention wherever they went. If people were going to be looking at her, she might as well give them something to look at.

"The gold lamé it is," she said, holding the dress up.

The mirror gave out a low whistle. "Who are you trying to catch by wearing that number?"

The witch smiled. "Not exactly catch, more like entice."

"I should say that will do it, dear."

Hermione hummed as she packed her bag. Wednesday night she had asked Severus what he was planning to wear to the Ministry dance. He had given her an odd look before commenting that he really hadn't thought about it.

"I suppose my usual dress robes. Why?"

"I just don't want to clash with whatever you're wearing," she said with a shrug.

"Christmas in November? You wear Gryffindor red and I wear Slytherin green?"

Hermione smiled. "Want to confuse everyone? You wear red and gold and I'll wear green and silver."

Severus snorted. "You're too short to be me."

"You're wearing green, then?" She vaguely remembered his robes from past celebrations. They were... dark. "Green or black."

"They're dress robes. Black, of course. And my new silver clasp," he answered, a slight smile pulling at the corners of his mouth.

"I'm glad you liked it."

"Am I to be tortured with you decked out in Gryffindor red and gold all night?" he asked sardonically.

"We'll see. I did promise Minerva..."

He glared at her before directing their conversation back to the modifications for the Wolfsbane Potion again.

Crookshanks jumped lightly on the bed and butted his head against his Mistress's hand. "Are you up for a weekend at Hogwarts, boy?" The half-Kneazle allowed Hermione to scratch under his neck before moving out of reach.

While incredibly independent, he felt she had neglected him all those times she'd left him alone in the flat. Of course weekends at Hogwarts had gone a long way to soothing his ruffled fur. It was not that he minded the tall, dark human that visited his Mistress. He felt justifiably annoyed the times he was left alone. More so when she returned, smelling of him and Hogwarts.

Crooks butted against her again, purring loudly as she scratched him. "I just have a paper to drop off with my instructor in the morning. Then we can head to the castle."

Once again he moved out of reach and started to casually groom himself. It wouldn't do for him to lose the upper hand.

.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

Severus adjusted the clasp at his throat. He was pleased with Hermione's present. It was one of the few times in his life someone had given him something other than books or socks. It was a feeling Hermione would have appreciated having received book tokens from Flourish and Blotts as Christmas presents for most of the ten years she had been friends with Harry and Ron.

He glanced at the closed bathroom door. What was she doing in there? He wasn't in any particular hurry to attend the Ministry dance, fundraiser actually, but the sooner they arrived the sooner they could leave.

"Hermione, I will wait for you in the sitting room."

"I'll be out in a minute." She took a calming breath and studied her image in the mirror. Her hair had been charmed off her face, but still hung loosely down her back. The dress hugged her bust before draping over her hips, the neckline cut lower than she normally wore. The gold gave her skin a warm glow while accenting the colour of her hair. With a final nod she went out to meet Severus.

Standing in the doorway, Hermione struck a dramatic pose. "Ta da!"

Severus turned to look at her and stopped short. "You look... Why don't we just stay here?" he asked silkily.

"I'll take that as a compliment. We'll be back soon enough; in the mean time, I would like to show off my dress, and you."

"Well then, shall we?" He offered her his arm, thinking back to past Ministry affairs; while he would have liked to miss the event entirely, it pleased him to have her on his arm.

.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

The dance was in full swing when Hermione and Severus entered the Great Hall. The main tables had been replaced with a large dance floor surrounded by small, intimate tables for two. The Hall was lit with thousands of floating candles, the glow from the flickering light soft and warm.

It was a replay of their entrance to the Hallowe'en dance, all over again. Conversation stilled as they walked by, only to start again with fervour as they passed. The two were a striking contrast: Severus, swathed in black on black on black and highlighted with sterling silver accents; Hermione, looking like liquid gold, the metallic threads reflecting the flickering flames.

She led Severus over to the far corner where Harry, Ginny, and Remus were standing. Severus excused himself, barely waiting for greetings to be exchanged.

"Is everything all right?"

"Of course, Harry. Why?"

Harry shrugged and nodded toward Severus.

Remus patted him on the back. "Don't worry, Harry, that's about as friendly as Severus gets sometimes. Don't take it personally. It's a tribute to Hermione that he's here at all."

Severus watched Hermione laughing with her friends. Ron had arrived with a tall, willowy blonde draped over his arm. Actually, the young woman appeared to be clinging to his person, her arms wrapped around the young man, her body flush with his side. Even her long flowing tresses seemed to wrap themselves around the redhead.

He chuckled darkly as he dubbed the clinging witch "Ivy" in his mind.

"Severus, my boy. Glad to see you here."

Albus was twinkling with renewed zeal in the flickering light, Molly and Arthur Weasley with him. Again, greetings were exchanged.

The tedium of greeting people and exchanging small talk was another reason he normally avoided these functions. He wondered how long would be deemed acceptable by Hermione before he could sprint her back to the dungeons and some private time.

"What do you think she's got on under that gown? I don't see a line anywhere. The voice in his head was once again contemplating Hermione's undergarments, or possible lack thereof.

"...Christmas?"

Arthur's voice pierced his thoughts: he was smiling, looking at him questioningly, obviously waiting for an answer to a question Severus had not heard. He'd heard Lupin's name at some point. That much he was sure about. Christmas? It must be about the Wolfsbane he decided. "Yes, of course."

"Wonderful, then we'll look forward to seeing you both there." Molly smiled as she patted his hand. "Oh, look Arthur, there's Tonks. Didn't you want to ask her about the 'recording player' she had the other day? We'll be back in a minute, Severus. Oh, Tonks. Tonks." Molly called after the young Auror, Arthur trailing behind his wife.

"Seeing us? What did I just agree to? Wasn't he asking me about Lupin and the Wolfsbane?" What the bloody hell had the man asked him? What did he say yes to?

Albus chuckled. "I believe you agreed to Christmas breakfast at The Burrow. I'm sure Hermione will be thrilled. Ah, there is the Minister now. If you'll excuse me, I believe I have a few issues I need to annoy him about."

Severus glared at those around him. How did he let himself get trapped into these things? 'Well,' he thought with a sigh, 'it would have only been a matter of time before Hermione mentioned Christmas breakfast, anyway. What the hell was happening to him? ' Twenty minutes was long enough. Where was Hermione? He was ready to leave.

"Severus!"

"Aldrena?"

The witch's eyes seemed to devour him. "Where have you been hiding yourself? You never called me back."

"I've been busy." Where the hell was Hermione? Severus backed up a step; was Aldrena leering at him? The room had filled up considerably since they had arrived. He caught a flash of gold in the far corner and the all too familiar face of the boy-who-lived-just-to-annoy-him. Potter and Weasley must be holding her captive, he decided.

"Your little playmate seems to be occupied. How about a whirl with a mature witch and not some child?" Her hands reached for his.

He wasn't sure if she only meant to pull him onto the dance floor or out of the room entirely. "Stop, you foolish woman." His voice was low but seemed to cut through the noise surrounding them.

"I thought I meant something to you!" Her voice had a petulant ring to it and was growing in volume. There was no mistaking the allegation of abandonment in her words. "How could you do this to me?"

"Aldrena, it was one date, a year ago." How could she possibly make something out of one date?

A crowd had started to form as the witch's voice rose in sorrow. "But I thought you cared. Did what we have mean nothing to you? Were you just toying with me?"

His eyes held a dangerous glint. Before he could speak, a voice rang out from behind the woman.

"Apologise to the nice witch, Severus. We wouldn't want her to think poorly of you now, would we?"

Aldrena turned, her smile cold as she eyed Hermione. "I do not believe this matter concerns you."

"Oh, but I think it does." Hermione reached for the buttons on the witch's robes. "Does yours say the same thing mine does?"

"Does my what say what?" Angrily she batted Hermione's hands away.

"Your brand. Severus marked my heart as his sometime ago. I was wondering if he did the same to you." Hermione smiled sweetly at the woman, her hand on her heart.

Severus raised one brow, barely hiding his smug expression. He extended his hand to Hermione. "Dance?"

"I thought you'd never ask."

"Aldrena." He nodded to the woman as he swept Hermione into his arms and out onto the dance floor. Aldrena stood wide-eyed as they moved away. Severus thought he saw tendrils of smoke coming off the angry witch. He smiled at Hermione. "I branded your heart?"

"Yep, it says "Prop of SS". Should I have told her where I put my brand?" she asked wickedly. "Though it might only read 'Proper' right about now."

His sudden laugh startled those dancing around them, most not used to sound of the Potions master's deep baritone.

Hermione enjoyed making him laugh. It made her feel good to help him let loose every so often.

Severus tightened his arm around her waist, pulling her closer. "Any chance I can tempt you with a walk in the moonlight?"

"I think so."

Ron and Harry watched Severus and Hermione slip out the side door. "Can you believe someone actually challenged Hermione for the git? And I thought Hermione was mental for caring for him, wonder what that says for her?" Ron shook his head in disbelief before pouring a second glass of punch.

"It's a world gone mad." Harry noticed Ron's current love interest waving at them, her hair no longer blonde, but now fuchsia. "Ron, I think Tiny is trying to get your attention."

"Tina, Harry, not Tiny."

Harry shrugged. Ron changed women as often as he changed his pants. "Whatever. Wasn't her hair blonde when she walked in?"

"Was it?" Ron tried to remember what colour Tina's hair had been when he picked her up. The fact that the front of her dress dipped to her navel seemed to have something to do with his lack of concentration every time he looked at the witch.

"Never mind." And Ron thought Hermione was mental?

.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

They had walked around the rose gardens, stopping to snog every so often, before Hermione convinced him to return to the dance. They managed to stay another hour before finally slipping away for good. Once inside his chambers, Severus suggested a relaxing bath. What followed could only be called a slow, sensual seduction that continued in front of the fire and was repeated again, an hour later, in his bed, before the two fell into a well-deserved sleep.

.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

Hermione snuggled in deeper next to the warm body at her side.

"Good morning."

"Hi." She reached out to gently move the wisps of hair falling into his eyes.

"You seem awake this morning."

"Of course I'm awake. It's almost noon; we're almost out of morning."

"So I see." Severus kissed the top of her head. "Lunch and then a few hours in the lab, or do you need to get back to Cambridge?"

"No, I finished everything I had to. Lunch sounds great. The Great Hall?"

"I believe I've had enough of Hogwarts visiting 'dignitaries'. If we eat here, we can get right to work. I'd like to set up trials for the revised calculations.

Forty-five minutes later, they had three cauldrons set up and the base of the Wolfsbane slowly simmering in each.

"All right, what do you want to try this time?" Hermione had their logbook open, ready to record this session's changes and subsequent results.

Severus paged through his notes, shifting them sideways to read the comments scribbled in the corners, some in her loopy hand, some in his spidery style. "We've already determined that chopping the ginger root increases the ability to concentrate. I have always used extract of Maca root to help increase mental clarity. I think this time we should use the whole root, but vary its processing. In the gold cauldron, chop it up. In the silver cauldron, grind it into a fine powder. And in the pewter cauldron, extract its essence, then add the essence and remainder of the plant as a whole."

"I need the glass pestle and mortar so I can grind the root using a neutral tool."

Still studying their notes, Severus nodded absentmindedly as Hermione turned toward the supply cabinet. Somewhere in the back of his mind he heard the clink of metal as one of the stirring rods slid off the table and hit the stone floor. While his subconscious might have registered the action, his conscious mind was focused on the problem at hand. His head snapped up almost instantly when he heard her shriek.

Time moved in slow motion. He heard the metallic sound of the rod rolling along the floor. Hermione's upper body was disappearing below the table as her feet flew out from under her. Her scream, much louder than the tiny shriek he'd heard seconds ago, seemed to come from far away. He was already moving as her body crested its arc and headed for the hard stone floor. He did the first thing he could think of: he cast a cushioning charm. The table was in his direct line of sight or he would have tried to levitate Hermione and catch her before she hit the floor. He heard her head hit with a meaty thud. Time seemed to jump with the sound, moving from slow motion to kaleidoscope around him.

He reached her side in seconds, calling her name. "Hermione! Hermione, please, open your eyes. Look at me." Could fate be so cruel as to let him live long enough to find happiness, and then snatch it from his grasp?

He gently lifted her eyelids to examine the pupils of her eyes. They were fixed and dilated. Her breathing was harsh, laboured. A small pool of blood was seeping along the cracks in the stone, leaving a trail through her hair.

Severus ran to the fireplace and grabbed a pinch of Floo powder. He yelled into the fireplace for Madam Pomfrey. "Poppy! Come quick. Hermione's hurt!"

He ran back to Hermione. The young witch had not moved; the puddle of blood seemed to be growing at an alarming rate.

"Severus?" Poppy stepped through and looked around the lab.

"Poppy!"

She moved quickly toward the sound of his voice, but stopped as she spied the fallen young woman, a quiet gasp her first reaction. Quickly, Poppy knelt beside the still witch. A fast scan with her wand and a series of intricate movements stopped the flow of blood, but Hermione still lay unconscious.

"Can't you revive her?"

"Call Albus. Tell him to open the Floo connection. We need to get her to St Mungo's as quickly as possible." Poppy looked at his stunned expression. "Severus, go."

It took less than a minute for Albus to open the Network and alert St Mungo's. Severus scooped up the unconscious witch into his arms; he knew he probably should not have moved her, but he felt the need to hold her. "Hold on, Hermione. You're going to be fine. Poppy, throw in the Floo powder."

Poppy nodded. "We'll be right behind you."

"St Mungo's." He vanished in a blaze of green flames, Hermione held tightly against his chest.

.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

Albus's eyes did not contain their customary twinkle as he stood in the doorway of Hermione's hospital room. He observed the young man he had come to think of as a son to him sitting in the chair next to the bed. Several Healers stood around the bed, working on the still unconscious woman.

"Severus, let them help her. Come out into the waiting area and let them work their magic on her." Albus motioned for him to join him. The waiting room was already crowded as word of Hermione's injury spread through Hogwarts.

Remus, feeling better now that the full moon was gone, sat with Harry, Ginny, and Minerva. All anxiously waiting, praying for good news, for some positive change to occur. One by one, other friends, Hogwarts staff, and Order members arrived, joining those already waiting for word on Hermione's condition.

Severus didn't seem to hear him. "It's my fault. I heard the rod fall; I should have known this could happen." He ran his hand distractedly through his hair, his entire focus on the unconscious woman in the bed.

Albus moved to his side; gently he laid a hand on his shoulder. "Severus, you probably saved her by cushioning the blow, but we really should wait..."

The dark man threw his hand off. "Leave me alone, Albus. I'm not leaving. Go. Do what you have to. But let me be."

The pain in the Potions master's voice drew Harry into the room. He stood just inside the doorway, out of the path of the Healers and other staff that hurried in and out of the room. Hermione was still, her skin as pale as the sheets she lay upon. Harry could see the gentle rise and fall of her chest, the only sign she was still with them.

There were several Healers and Apprentices standing around her. Various pieces of equipment floated around and near the bed.

One of the more advanced young Healers looked around the room. He could feel the power, the magic, surging through the air. There was something here, something he couldn't name. He looked to his mentor, surprised to see the older wizard suddenly stop and close his eyes.

Poppy looked at the man in confusion. She had been assisting the Healer until his sudden stillness took her by surprise. "Healer Seaton? Is there something wrong?"

"I haven't felt such a force in almost fifty years." Healer Seaton raised his head and stared into the black eyes of the Potions master. "You gave her the necklace." It was a statement of fact.

"The necklace; it's glowing." Poppy's voice was barely a whisper as she looked at Hermione's necklace. The leaf glowed with an ethereal light. "What does it mean?"

The Healer continued to look at the dark man. "Did you know what it was when you purchased it?"

Severus's voice was strained with worry. "I have no idea what it means. I'll answer whatever questions you have later. Please, just help her."

Satisfied, the old man nodded and turned back to the bed. It was important that the necklace had not been purchased with the intent to enslave; though that type of enchantment rarely gave off the power and purity of energy he was feeling. The dark wizard and this witch, they were the source of the elemental magic he was feeling. It seemed to electrify the very air in the room.

"Can't you just cast "Enervate" and wake Hermione up?" The longer his best friend remained unconscious, the more worried Harry grew.

"I'm sorry, Mr Potter. It doesn't work that way. "Enervate" would work if the source of her injury were caused by a hex. Unfortunately, Miss Granger has suffered a strong blow to the head. Even magic cannot reverse the effects of a coma."

Severus jumped up. "Coma? What do you mean coma? She's going to be all right, isn't she? Hermione. Hermione, you've got to get up."

Harry had never seen Severus lose control before. He watched as the man's expression changed from outrage to fear.

"You've got to help her! She'll regain consciousness, won't she?"

"Only time will tell. I'm afraid there is nothing more we can do, Professor. Someone, you I assume, is holding her here. Three of the most powerful wizards alive are in this room, yet it is from you alone that I feel the bond. Time will tell." The ancient wizard bowed his head and cast several spells at once. "She is resting comfortably for now. I will check on her in a few hours."

"Comfortably? You can't leave her like this." Severus moved to the side of the bed and grabbed Hermione's hand. "Hermione, you've got to wake up. It's time to go home. Hermione, can you hear me?"

Harry looked away. The pain and anguish in Severus's voice tore at his heart.

"We have done all that we can, Professor. It is up to her now."

"What did you mean when you said you felt "a bond?" Harry looked from Professor Snape to Hermione. Her necklace continued to glow. "Do you mean like...soul mates?"

"Not exactly. It's not as easily defined as that. It is one heart calling to another. The Professor's heart, his intentions, must have been pure and honourable when he purchased the pendant. I have seen a few of Trelawney's pendants over the years, but I have never felt such power, such purity, as the surge of magic that is present tonight." Healer Seaton gestured to Severus. "He is keeping her here; it is their bond that keeps her grounded to this body. It will be up to her whether she chooses to return or not." Quietly, the Healer turned and left the room.

"Poppy, will you please see to the others waiting outside? Harry, I must ask you to wait outside, too. I need to speak to Professor Snape alone for a minute." Albus waited until Harry and Poppy left before turning to Severus. "Severus, she's a strong woman, a powerful witch. She will come through this, I'm sure of it."

"She looks like she's sleeping, Albus. I can't lose her. I won't." Severus snorted. "Pure and honourable. Bloody hell, don't they know who they're talking about? That's the same type of drivel Trelawney was handing me when I purchased the pendant." Severus pulled his chair closer to the bed and sat down, Hermione's hand still clasped in his.

"I'll stay with Hermione. Why don't you go get something to eat? You need to keep your strength up." Albus had never seen Severus in such a state before.

"You'll need to find someone to take my classes, Albus." His eyes never left Hermione.

"Severus, you can't stay here."

"I'm not leaving. I need to be here when she wakes up." Hermione would wake up, she had to, and the first person she was going to see was he. He'd made a bargain with the devil when he'd joined Voldemort; he would do whatever he had to now, pray to whatever god or deity that would listen, to get her back.

"I'll bring you back something to eat." Albus didn't want to press the point; first, he needed to speak with Healer Seaton.

.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

Harry stopped just inside the door.

"What is it, Potter?" Three hours had passed since he had laid Hermione on the cot, and she still hadn't moved.

"I brought you some tea and a few books." Harry hesitantly handed the books to Severus.

"You brought me books? What kind of joke is this, Potter?" It felt good to lash out at the young man. He was strung so tight, he felt as if he would fall apart any minute.

Harry gulped nervously. "A lot of Muggle doctors believe people in comas can hear everything that goes on around them. The Healer said your...force was keeping her here. I just thought that if you...read to her. If Hermione heard your voice, it might help."

Severus looked at the book in his hand, Moste Potente Potions. "She can hear me?"

Harry shrugged. "That's what I've heard. I want my best friend back, Professor."

The Potions master took a deep breath. "Thank you, Potter." He settled back into the chair and cracked the book open. Taking a sip of the tea Harry had placed on the bedside table, he regarded Hermione's still form. "I suppose we should start at the beginning. This might help us work out the kink in the Wolfsbane formula. Feel free to jump in anytime. 'Chapter one: The Use of Natural Herbs in Potions. Herbs have been used...'"

Harry slipped quietly out of the room, Severus's voice following him out the door.

.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

"Any change since last night, Poppy?"

"No, Albus. I would have called you if there was." They were standing in the hallway outside Hermione's hospital room. Poppy had Floo'd in several times to check on the young witch. "Severus hasn't left her side all night. He needs to get some sleep."

"I know. Let me talk to him. He seems to blame himself for the accident." He could hear Severus reading aloud in the quiet room.

Albus cast a worried look in the direction of the odd pair. Hermione hadn't moved. The gentle rise and fall of her chest gave the appearance of nothing more serious than someone sleeping. Severus was another story. The Headmaster watched as he ran a shaky hand through his hair; dark circles bruised the skin under his eyes, his appearance totally unkempt.

"Severus, how is she?" Albus drew a sharp breath as he looked into the haunted eyes of the man in front of him. "Have you slept at all?"

"I'm fine; I slept a bit." Severus looked at Hermione. Gently, he stroked her hand. "Hermione, Albus is here. Don't you want to wake up and say hello?"

"Severus..."

"Leave me alone, Albus. I need to be here when she wakes up." Severus settled back into his chair. "Now, where did I leave off?"

Albus set off to find Healer Seaton. He was deeply worried. What would happen if Hermione didn't awaken?

.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

"Professor?" Harry and Ginny stood half hidden in the afternoon shadows.

"Hermione, Ginevra and...Harry are here," Severus said with false cheer, his voice grown hoarse from stress and lack of sleep.

Harry looked at Severus in shock. "Which one of you got hit in the head?"

Severus's gave him a wry smile. "Sometimes I wonder."

"No change, Professor?" Ginny stood at the side of the bed, tears silently running down her cheeks.

"Don't cry, Miss Weasley, she will be fine. When she's ready, she'll wake up." Severus turned to the still form in the bed. "Hermione, you have guests. Really, you should get up now."

Harry and Ginny exchanged worried looks over the dark man's head; this was not normal. "I, uhm, brought you a few new Potions magazines. I thought you might be tired of Moste Potente Potions by now."

.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

For the second night in a row, a large crowd was gathered in the waiting area outside Hermione's hospital room. The group had expanded to include the Weasleys: Molly and Arthur, Ron and his current girlfriend, Tina, even Fred and George were there. Several Order members stopped by, hoping Hermione's condition had improved.

"He can't stay here again tonight." Minerva didn't know who to be more worried about, the young woman 'sleeping' in the bed, or Severus, who seemed to have lost his mind entirely.

"I've tried. He won't leave her side. He just keeps saying he has to be there when she wakes up." Albus had given up on trying to make Severus leave; he seemed to become quite agitated at the thought of being separated from Hermione.

"Albus, what if she doesn't wake up?" It was not a thought Minerva wanted to think about.

"I don't know."

A chime sounded, announcing the end of visiting hours. The waiting room cleared quickly, silence descending on the ward.

For the second night, Severus sat at Hermione's bedside and watched the still witch. "Hermione, Pott...Harry says you can hear me. If you can, then you must know how much I need you. Hermione, wake up. Please, I need to hear your voice. I want to look into your eyes. I need you."

.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

Severus snapped to attention. The sound of metal hitting metal brought him to full wakefulness. He watched quietly as Healer Seaton stood at the side of the bed, casting an intricate series of spells as the Apprentice Healer noted various results in Hermione's chart.

"Have you noticed any changes in the young woman?"

"No. She still appears to be just sleeping. Why aren't you people doing anything? What kind of hospital is this?" He had brought Hermione here over two days ago; she should be well by now, ready to go home. He would have taken her away if he knew of anywhere else that could help her.

"Her aura is stronger than when you brought her in; may I suggest you continue with whatever it is you have been doing?" The young witch's aura had been solid red when he examined her Sunday afternoon. Over forty-eight hours had passed. There were now areas of yellow and orange seeping into her aura, the red no longer solid around her body.

Severus remembered Ginevra scanning his aura when he had been hit with the Cruciatus Curse. "What colour is her aura?"

"Are you trained in the area of medicine, Professor?"

"I have brewed enough medicinal potions and know all too well the stages of recovery for far too many hexes and curses. I would imagine I could qualify for several positions if I chose to." Severus looked at Hermione, his voice softened. "What colour is her aura?"

"It appears to be changing. It was completely red on Sunday. Today it is streaked with lines of yellow and orange. It would seem she is trying to return."

Severus watched the others leave the room before turning his attention back to the woman in the bed. She had to wake up. He didn't want to go on without her. She had become his reason for living, for waking up in the morning. "Hermione, please, wake up. I need you. I...I love you." It was true. God help him. He did love her. He had probably been in love with her for a while, just too obstinate to realise it. "Hermione? Still the stubborn Gryffindor? All right, where was I? Right, 'the properties of ...'"

.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

The afternoon sun shone through the room's only window. Severus flipped the page. "'...combined with the root to form the base.' Yes, I suppose that would be the best course of action at this point. But what next?"

"No! Stay back! NO!" Hermione screamed as she suddenly thrashed about in the bed. Her eyes were still closed, her body jerking back and forth.

The book in his hand slid to the floor forgotten as Severus lunged forward. "Hermione? Hermione, wake up!" What was happening to her?

Bells were ringing. Severus could hear people running in the corridor towards her room. Hermione gave out one last blood-curdling scream before lying still again.

Within minutes the small room was overrun with people. She started moving again, her hands rising in front of her, the unmistakable movements of a hex being cast to fight off some invisible foe. Healer Seaton and his assistant started to take readings while others tried to restrain the young woman. Harry felt utterly helpless, standing at the foot of the bed next to the Headmaster.

"NO! Harry, move!" Hermione had started screaming again. She seemed to be reliving the final battle. "Ron, don't! Wait for the signal. NO!"

"Hermione, you've got to wake up." Severus held her hand, trying to calm her while silently willing her to wake up. There was no mistaking the panic in his voice. "Hermione, the war is over. Voldemort is gone. Hermione, please love, look at me, you have to try."

Hermione stilled. Slowly, she opened her eyes. She turned her unfocused gaze in the direction of his voice, but didn't seem to know where she was. The effort seemed too much for the young woman as her eyes closed again.

"Hermione, please. You've got to try. Please, look at me." Severus could hear the pleading tone in his voice; he didn't care. He wanted to hear Hermione say his name again. He wanted to look into her eyes once more. "Hermione."

Hermione turned toward him again. Her breath came out in a shaky whisper, her voice rusty from screaming minutes before. "Severus?"

"I'm here, Hermione. I'm here." He had been holding her hand in his, willing her to open her eyes.

"There you are." The attempt at speaking seemed to steal what little strength she had. She managed a weak smile before closing her eyes again. Slowly, she tried to focus on the dark wizard desperately clutching her hand. "What did you say?"

"I'm here, Hermione. I'm here."

"That's not what you said."

"What?" Now it seemed to be Severus's turn to be confused. Were comas contagious?

Her voice was still barely more than a whisper. "You called me love. I heard you."

Severus moved closer to the young woman on the bed. "Hermione, look at me. I do love you. I refuse to lose you. I won't let you go." His words were elegant in their simplicity.

Hermione covered his hand with her own, the effort of speaking still taking a toll on her weakened body. Her answer was so quiet, Severus almost missed it.

"I love you, too." She sighed, exhaustion overtaking her once again.

Severus thought he heard the phrase, "It took you long enough." But he couldn't be sure. She seemed to be sleeping again.

"Hermione?" His voice registered panic once more.

"It's all right, Professor, you can let her sleep now. She seems to be out of danger." Healer Seaton was amazed at the aura the young woman was projecting: it was green, dotted with large areas of yellow and orange, but there wasn't a sign of any red. Throughout the entire ordeal, the necklace had continued to glow. "I'm pleased to say, if she continues to recover at the current rate, she should be able to leave in a few days."

Severus dropped wearily in his chair. He was still holding Hermione's hand. She was going to be all right.

Harry hastily wiped a tear away. "She's okay."

Albus patted him on the shoulder. "Why don't we let Hermione sleep? You can come by early in the morning. I'm sure she'll be much more rested by then. Severus? Shall I wait outside for you?"

"Potter. Thank you." Severus had been indebted to his father for saving his life. This time he was indebted to the boy. While reading to Hermione may not have been the real reason for her waking up, he was fairly sure it had been a contributing factor. "You go on, Albus. I'll see you in the morning."

"You're staying here tonight, Professor?"

"Severus, you heard Healer Seaton, she is out of danger. A good night's sleep would do you a world of good, too"

"Good night, Albus." A quick swish and flick later and the chair he sat in was transfigured into a more comfortable recliner. Severus stretched his long legs in front of him as he settled back. He gently stroked Hermione's hand, grateful for her recovery. The necklace glowed with a soft light, the brilliance fading in the early hours of the night.

.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

"Are you going to let him sleep here tonight, Professor?"

"He hasn't left her side since she was injured Sunday, Harry. I don't think I could convince him to leave now." Albus glanced back toward Hermione's room. "I believe he will be able to sleep tonight. I think they will both rest easier if he stays."

.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

Severus sagged with relief. It seemed her ordeal was finally over. He reached out a shaky hand to smooth the stray hairs from the side of her face. He was bone tired, wearier than he had ever been, but his heart held an unusual lightness as he looked into her eyes. "I thought I'd lost you."

Hermione could see the worry etched into his features. "I heard you. I could hear you calling to me. All I could think about was trying to get to you."

Gently, he kissed her forehead. "How do you feel?"

"My head hurts. Actually, I've got quite a headache. Let me sleep for a few hours, and then we can leave. I'm glad I finished my paper Friday, I wouldn't want to worry about it tonight."

"Your paper?"

"Mhmm, for class Tuesday. I've got a study group tomorrow afternoon and two classes to revise for tomorrow night. It was either do the paper Friday, or go home early tonight. I'm just glad it's done already."

"Hermione, I know you think it's Sunday, but you've been... unconscious for a bit."

"What are you talking about?"

"It's not Sunday night."

Hermione looked at him, puzzled. "Well if it's not Sunday, what day is it?"

He wasn't sure if he should be telling her this. The last thing he wanted to do was upset her. "Why don't you get some sleep and we'll talk in the morning?"

"What day is it?"

Severus sighed. "It's Tuesday."

"Tuesday? How could I lose two whole days? It was just Sunday morning a few hours ago." Hermione suddenly looked at Severus. Really looked at him. The dark heavy stubble on his face, the shadows under his eyes, the almost bruised-looking skin. His hair, standing up in spots. His clothes, wrinkled. "It really is Tuesday, isn't it? Have you been here the whole time?"

"I wanted to make sure I was here when you woke up. I told you, you're mine. Where else would I be? Besides, who else would put up with me?"

"I think I could come up with a few names."

For the first time since the whole nightmare began, Severus laughed. "Go to sleep. I'm not going anywhere. I'll be here when you wake up."

Hermione snuggled down in the bed. "Say it again."

Severus knew what she wanted to hear. "I'll be here when you wake up."

"Severus."

He leaned forward and chastely kissed her. "I love you."

This time there was no mistaking her comment. "It's about time. Mmm, I love you, too." She was asleep almost as soon as the last word left her lips.

Severus watched her even breathing. For the first time in days, he closed his eyes and didn't worry about what the morning would bring. For a change, life was truly worth living. He fell asleep to the sound of her breathing and her words of love echoing in his heart.

TBC

A/N: Both sites list information on the moon cycles. The Moon is full, completely circular, for only one to two days. I'm assuming Remus would therefore be unable to teach for roughly three days, more or less. http://aa.usno.navy.mil/faq/docs/moon_phases.html

http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/jun99/928930010.As.r.html

The herbs mentioned are real. The information was taken from this site: http://www.greatestherbsonearth.com/nsp_herb_supplements.htm

A grateful thank you to my beta, Nakhash, for her corrections, suggestions, and never ending supply of commas. Another set of eyes is always helpful, the mistakes, however, are still mine.

Still to come: the symposium; the Wolfsbane Potion; Christmas break, and more. Enjoy. Please review and let me know what you think. I love hearing from you! As always, thoughts, comments, reviews, whatever are most welcome.

Pearle