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The Reckoning	By : Snapeoutofit Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Snape/Hermione Views: 21947 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 4
Disclaimer: All characters and settings are the creation of JK Rowling. I own nothing of Harry Potter and make no money from this story.

Chapter List
- 1-One
- 2-Two
- 3-Three
- 4-Four
- 5-Five
- 6-Six
- 7-Seven
- 8-Eight
- 9-Nine
- 10-Ten
- 11-Eleven
- 12-Twelve
- 13-Thirteen
- 14-Fourteen
- 15-Fifteen
- 16-Sixteen
- 17-Seventeen
- 18-Eighteen
- 19-Nineteen
- 20-Twenty
- 21-Twenty One
- 22-Twenty Two
- 23-Twenty Three
- 24-Twenty Four
- 25-Twenty Five
- 26-Twenty Six
- 27-Twenty Seven
- 28-Twenty Eight
- 29-Twenty Nine
- 30-Thirty
- 31-Thirty One
- 32-Thirty Two
- 33-Thirty Three
- 34-Thirty Four
- 19
- 20
- 21
Hermione sat at the staff table buttering a piece of toast. She spread a small scoop of raspberry jam onto the slice and looked out over the students as she took a bite.
Her eyes fell to Gryffindor table. No matter how hard she tried to take in the room during meals, her eyes always fell to her fellow Gryffindors. Being head of the house had certainly changed her relationship with her students. As she observed them, eating and talking, she understood why Minerva felt like the mother she had lost so many years ago. She couldn’t quite describe the love she had for the budding witches and wizards under her care, but she certainly did love them, even when they could be absolute pains.
When her and Severus has gone to visit McGonagall before breakfast, Madam Pomfrey explained that she had shown improvement throughout the night and that she had noticed some color coming back to her face. Severus agreed with Poppy that the best course of action was to continue with rest and the potion. Hermione left the hospital wing a bit before Severus to head down to The Great Hall while he helped Poppy change the wound dressing on Headmistress McGonagall’s head.
Now Hermione took a sip from her teacup as she waited for him to join her at breakfast. She spilled slightly when Hagrid slid into the end seat beside her, but steadied her arm quickly.
“Whoops, sorry Hermione,” he said as he reached over her to grab the kettle.
“It’s alright, Hagrid,” she replied as she leaned back in her chair so that he could reach across her.
“I he’rd from Flitwick that the Headmistress seems to be doin’ better,” he said.
“Yes. I saw her this morning and she is looking better. I’m hoping she will wake sometime today,” she replied.
He nodded vigorously as he downed his cup of tea in a single gulp. Hermione took a small sip from her own cup before noticing Severus, in a billow of black robes, enter through the staff door. Instead of sitting beside her as he normally would, he rounded the staff table to stand at the podium without so much as a glance at Hermione or the other staff members on the dais.
Within seconds a hush fell over the room. Once he was adequately pleased by the silence of students and silverware, he began to speak.
“Students and staff, Headmistress McGonagall is unfortunately still unconscious from her fall, but is showing significant signs of improvement. Madam Pomfrey is hopeful she will wake today. Nevertheless, she will need to recover for some time. For the time being, any and all matters typically directed to the Headmistress shall be directed to the head of your house. Classes are cancelled for today so that staff may approach any pressing matters.”
“Also,” he continued after a brief pause, “I do not expect any disturbances to take place anywhere in or around the castle, but this is your fair warning that any disturbances near the hospital wing will result in immediate and prolonged detention with me.”
He surveyed the room momentarily before glancing over his shoulder at the staff table. Hagrid offered him a small smile and Professor Sprout nodded in agreement. His eyes fell to Hermione who’s big brown eyes were encouraging him before she drained the contents of her teacup. Severus stepped back from the podium and gestured for the students to continue their breakfast before making his way back around the table to sit beside Hermione.
As he tucked into his plate his mouth was a stern line. He relaxed slightly when Hermione placed her hand on his knee. She leaned over to speak to him in a hushed voice.
“Are you alright?”
“Yes, thank you,” Severus replied quickly. Hermione nodded and gently rubbed his leg before finishing her breakfast.
SSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHG
Headmistress McGonagall was doing much better by late afternoon. She stirred awake while Madam Pomfrey was pressing a cloth with the potion to her forehead. She was in good spirits despite being a bit disoriented and confused. Madam Pomfrey applied bruise paste to the blemished areas on his skin and gave her small sips of water. She quickly summoned a house elf to let Professor Snape know that the Headmistress had woken up.
“He addressed the students and took the lead for you,” Madam Pomfrey began. “ I have known that man since he was a boy and after all that has happened in his life I just can’t believe how he holds it all together.”
“Yes, But Poppy don’t forget that he is a master of concealing his thoughts and emotions. I’m certain Hermione is the only one who can read him and even she can’t do so completely,” Minerva replied slowly.
Poppy pursed her lips as she contemplated Minerva’s assessment. “Yes, I’m sure that right. I suppose I am just surprised by how things have come along for him.”
Minerva nodded slowly and, as if on cue, Severus knocked on the door to the small hospital room. The moment the house elf gave him the message he was shrugging on his cloak and dragging Hermione out the door with him. She had to nearly run to keep up with him as he flew through the castle. Now she found herself catching her breath as they entered the hospital room.
Hermione went immediately to McGonagall’s bedside. She was relieved and thrilled to see her fellow Gryffindor was well. Hermione’s face beamed as she took the Headmistress’ hand in her own and Severus watched momentarily before sitting in a chair against the wall.
Madam Pomfrey excused herself and left the room. The Gryffindors spoke momentarily before Minerva looked around Hermione to Severus.
“Severus, Poppy told me that you spoke to the students in my absence,” she stated. He replied with a slow nod.
“Thank you,” she continued. “And this potion was your doing as well...”
“Yes. It is a stronger variant of Pepper Up. From a hybrid plant strain. I’m relieved to see how well it worked.” His voice was melodious and strong. “I also want you to get lots of rest. We will get by as you recover.”
Minerva nodded. “I am going to be recuperating at home for the remainder of the semester. I’d like
For you to act as Headmaster in my absence.”
Severus straighten up in his chair as he attempted to hide the shocked expression on his face. Hermione watched him carefully.
“Minerva I don’t think that is a wise decision. I cannot serve as Headmaster,” he began.
“You have before.”
“That was different. Very different. I’m not sure being in such a position of authority again would look good or be good for me. You know how some people still...”
Minerva cut him off with a slight wave of her hand. “I will hear none of that, Severus. I will be available for whatever you need and I trust you’ll make sound decisions. I am not getting any younger and this accident is evidence that at the very least I need a break.”
“The board would need to approve this,” he said.
“You know just as well as I do that the board has lost most of its authority and presence. This is my school, I run it and I make the decisions. Next I want it to be your school. You will make the right decisions.”
Hermione looked between the two professors knowing full well that this was not the time or place for her to interject. She agreed with Minerva’s assessment whole-heartedly and knew that Severus was the right person to take over for her. However, she also was concerned about added stress to his plate.
Severus raked his hand over his face and through his hair. “I don’t have a choice, do I Minerva?”
“You always have the choice,” she began, “I just sincerely hope that you listen to me.”
Severus nodded solemnly.
“We should let you rest,” Hermione interrupted. “Send a message if you need anything. I think things are under control at least for the time being.”
Severus stood and walked over to Minerva’s bedside. “We will talk more tomorrow.” He patted her arm before exiting the small room. Once he was gone, the Headmistress let out a deep sigh.
“He will come around,” Hermione said.
“Yes, but I don’t want him to feel obligated.”
“I’m sure he does feel obligated, but only because of his own stubbornness. I think he knows it’s the best course of action, he’s just reluctant.” Hermione kissed her hand. “Can I get you anything before I leave?”
Minerva shook her head and squeezed her hand in reply. Hermione replied with a small smile before exiting the room and closing the door behind her. When she turned around she saw Severus pacing the length of the hospital wing. She stood and watched him momentarily. He looked at her through a curtain of black hair.
“I just...I don’t...” He stammered in anguish as he raked his hand over his face. He stopped in front of Hermione and looked deeply into her eyes. “Hermione. I can’t. Not again.”
Hermione saw a panic in him that she had never seen before. She reached out to rub his arm reassuringly. “Whatever decision you make will be the right one. Try not to stress...”
“I just can’t do it. What will they think of me in charge of this school? A horrible farce like last time,” he muttered with concern emblazoned across his face.
“Yes. Tell me. What will who think?” She stared at him menacingly.
Her stare bore into him and Severus took a deep breath to steady himself. “Alright. Let’s go home.”
Hermione took his hand and laced her fingers with his. She leaned against his bicep and the small hug placated him. He planted a single kiss on top of her head before the two set off hand in hand towards the dungeon.
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The Reckoning