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Years of Burden	By : Polypectron Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Snape/Hermione Views: 6695 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter and SSHG is not canon. This is a work of fiction. I am not profiting from it. All characters, places, objects and realities belong to J K Rowling and the Potterverse.

Chapter List
- 3
- 4
- 5
Disclaimer: None of these characters belong to me, they belong to J K Rowling and if you don't know that they you must be really confused when you read these fanfiction stories. (to be taken in jest) The events happening during the tale are either made up of taken from the book or the movie and may or may not be in chronological order depending on the story's needs

*Girding potion- gives the consumer extra endurance. It presumably has a rather foul odour

Polyplectron

CHAPTER FOUR - Flattery Will Get You Nowhere Quickly

After a day or so of actively avoiding Harry and Ron, Hermione was cautiously approached in the Great Hall during breakfast. Hiding behind her charms book, she heard Harry and Ron sit opposite her. She could tell it was them by their squabbling. Harry nudged Ron who grunted in annoyance, he then kicked Harry under the table barely missing Hermione's own foot. Harry cursed under his breath but conceited and was the first to break the silence.

"I'm sorry about what I said Hermione."

Hermione lowered her book to find Harry giving her the eyes. Those sad puppy dog eyes he would always utilize to convince her to forgive him.

Damn you Harry Potter.

"That's alright Harry, I accept your apology," Harry broke into a smile, "I apologise for turning my wand on you and stealing your potions book."

"That's alright Hermione,"

Ron scowled as his friends made amends. Hermione was about to continue reading when Harry cleared his throat.

"So - since we are on good terms again. . . .would I be able to have my book back?"

Advanced Potions Making was a horrendous product of innovative hatred. Hermione had read the book cover to cover the previous night and was appalled to say the least. The 'Half-Blood Prince' had a penchant for theorising choking charms, slicing hexes and harmful spells. Thankfully majority of them had been abandoned and would not work if properly cast. The Prince had successfully completed a few spells, Hermione's own curiosity had gotten the better of her and she had tested the Muffliato spell and found it to be very useful for future reference but would not be telling Harry that any time soon.

Hermione's frustration with the book was not only its content but its anonymous annotator. She had spent a few solid hours searching every book available to her in the library and finding not one smidgeon of the Half-Blood Prince. Initially she had thought about burning the book or handing it in to Professor McGonagall but she could not deny the fact that it had helped Harry with his potions assignments. Even though it made her own efforts superfluous.

"Yes but under one condition. You are only to use this book for Potions. Promise me Harry, I will know if you use any of the spells. Advanced Potion Making is just for potion making. Promise?"

"Yes-Yes I promise"

Taking the book from her satchel Harry grabbed it with eagerness before she could say another word. Hermione had doubts that Harry would keep his promise to her so she decided to keep a close eye on him.

Ron had said nothing during the exchange. A moment of awkward silence passed with Harry flipping through his book, Ron avoiding eye contact and Hermione trying her hardest not to throw her breakfast plate at him. Clearing her throat, Hermione mentally prepared herself for the lashing she was going to deliver but then the trio was interrupted by Lavender who emerged from behind a group of departing Hufflepuffs. She plonked herself down next to Ron and threw her arms around him.

"Oh Ron-Ron!" she had cried, "I had so much fun with you the other day at the Black Lake", Lavender shot Hermione a teasing grin, "You are so good with your wand! You'll have to teach me that charm again, I am so silly I forgot it! Maybe we can go find a nice quite place after you win Quidditch tomorrow against Hufflepuff and you can show me those wand movements again."

"Uh . . . yeah sure Lavender"

Harry was visibly cringing, Harry must not of had a very good time, Hermione mused. How can one simply forget a charm after learning it? Is she really that dense? She did not even want to think about Ron waving his wand around in front of Lavender. Ron seemingly ignored Lavenders laps in intelligence and was enjoying her ministrations. This did nothing to stamp the fire brewing in Hermione's stomach.

Rising to leave, Hermione had avoided contact with either one of them and turned to leave the Great Hall for Herbology, and from the corner of her eye she saw Harry take his chance at escape and followed suit. Together they walked out of the Great Hall, hearing Lavenders high pitched laugher reverberating through the castle.

~O~

Madam Pomfrey fussed obsessively over a shelf full of potions in the Hospital Wing. It was a slow morning and thankfully no students had been administered into her care. Taking this rare occurrence with gusto she decided to take care of some of the menial tasks that had become neglected. Namely the stock take of her potions cabinet which well over due.

"We have in stock six calming draughts, seven vials of essence of dittany, twenty dreamless sleeps and eighteen skelegrow potions," a quill and parchment hovered around her, ticking off the potions as she called them out, "I'm running out of Oculus Potion, burn-healing paste and have absolutely no Head cure" she turned a vial around and inspected a label with spidery writing, "Severus I can never read your horrid handwriting."

Next to the shelf of potions hung a thick curtain concealing a private wing, blocked from prying eyes and reserved for teachers. Behind it on a large cot lay Severus Snape. Lying on his back and staring vaguely at the ceiling with his arms crossed over his chest. He had woken up from a magically induced sleep to the sound of Madam Pomfrey pottering about the potions storage and cursing about the depletion of her stock.

"Well that is most definitely out of date and half of these are off. Oh what is this? Someone must have thought it clever to leave Pimple Pinch elixir out to stale. Severus, when you are more or less your charming self again you must restock the shelves. You are skirting around on your duties as Potions Master."

He clutched his head feeling it throb under his dexterous digits. Since his admission into the Hospital Wing he could scarcely remember the series of events that brought him to this moment. Lying in an uncomfortable cot and feeling as if he had been trampled by a hippogriff. Dumbledore had visited yesterday and informed him of his indiscretion in Defence Against the Dark Arts with his sixth years but he had refused to believe it.

"I would never allow myself to be that incoherent. Especially not in front of Potter or Draco for that matter"

"And yet you did Severus. Although I must admit I was surprised to find a Stag careening through my office door while I was enjoying one of Hagrid's rock cakes."

Snape's disbelief had been overshadowed by Dumbledore's instruction for Poppy to induce a magical sleep so that the toxins could clear from his system. The sleep had been restless. Snape was accustom to downing Dreamless Sleep before bed to guarantee a few hours rest but his current situation did not allow him the privilege. Snape suffered a surgent of familiar nightmares that plague him all through the night. Memories of deatheater activity and the bright light of the killing curse ticked over and over like film in an old movie projector. The Dark Lord has been become more active as of late.

Thrashing, shaking and moaning in discomfort Poppy had been required to bind him with some medical bandages before he inflicted harm on himself. While his body was detoxing it was imperative to limit magical intervention and with him already in a magically induced sleep the bandages had been the only option. To his frustration, he had woke up with the binding cutting off the circulation in his wrists. Poppy had to run in and cut them off before he chewed his wrists open.

Poppy had been talking incessantly for over an hour and Snape was trying his best to ignore her but she was merciless with her ranting.

"I told you not to drink while under the effects of the girding potion didn't I" muttered Poppy, "When you came earlier in the week I said specifically, 'No Firewhisky while on the Girding Potion Severus, the mixture does not bode well!' but obviously you decided to ignore all my years of-"

Snape rolled his eyes as she continued. Tensing his fingers and releasing them in annoyance.

"-is why I refuse to clean wounds with healing alcohols if a doxy-egg concoction is to be applied afterwards. Really you should-"

Concentrating Snape tried to distinguish what he could from Dumbledore's certainties. From what the old man had deduced he had wandered into his class under-dressed, became belligerent, turned his wand on Zabini and had to be restrained. I do not believe for one instance that I would willingly walk out of my quarters into a classroom full of students without my teaching garments, or shirtless for that matter, he mused, turning my wand on Mr. Zabini however I can believe as that boy is all tongue and no brain.

"- before that Dreamless sleep and before that Pepper Up potions if I didn't know any better I'd say you were peddling but why take the schools supplies when you can make –"

A Wizards oath? A simple mind modification would have sufficed. Making it intentionally complicated for the Headmasters own amusement and at my own expense is hardly a rational way of dealing with the issue. Wincing, Snape lowered his arms to his sides, he felt so weak, It was rather – foolish- of me to drink while under the effects of the girding potion. Melancholy I have been as of late - I guess I got a little carried away.

"- have to worry about you after Seamus Finnegan was admitted last week. Silly boy set fire to his legs and required days of tedious care –"

Curse my luck that Draco was on time to class for once in his miserable life. How will he trust me enough to enlist my aid if he thinks I am a drunken rouge incapable of dressing himself? With any luck the Dark Lord will not hear of the 'incident'. I would so dread that conversation.

"-the Headmaster was lucky to have found you when he did. Collapsed all alone in your quarters, who knows what would have happened!"

Dumbledore had neglected to tell Madam Pomfrey the manner in which Snape had found himself kneeling in his own bile. That he had drunkenly wandered into class and started yelling at students, for which Snape was gratuitous for. Poppy's nagging was insufferable enough without the notion of multiple students suffering his wrath and being administered to her care.

With a wave of her hand Poppy banished her quill and parchment into her office. Busying herself with replacing the vials she had removed from the shelf and muttering to herself.

The Unbreakable Vow. Another responsibility to balance precariously over my shoulders. Should I fail to reciprocate the requirements. . . . I doubt Potter will survive long enough to fulfil his 'intended purpose'. 'Watch over and protect Draco from harm Severus. Should the boy fail you must carry out the deed the Dark Lord has ordered Severus. You must be the one to kill me Severus.' Of course Narcissa I would be delighted. Yes Albus it would be my honour to murder one of the greatest wizards of our age and turn myself into a pariah. That is, if I am unlucky enough to survive this futile squabble for power.

"What good is having an experienced Potions Master if he allows the medical storage to wither into out of date elixirs and imbalanced concoctions not worthy of even the simplest ailment."

Breaking from his thoughts Snape cleared his throat.

"I am not longer Potions Master Poppy I am the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher how many times must I insist this. If you have issue, take them up with Slughorn"

A bark of laughter issued from the Matron and she flew the curtain open. The levitating rings suspending the curtains clinked as they collided with each other. Behind it Poppy walked forward with her hands on her hips, her crisp white apron lay perfectly clean and pressed over her pale blue robes. Aging hair pulled tight into a bun causing the skin on her face to pull ever so slightly giving her the appearance someone was pinching her. Efficiently her gaze rolled over the bed ridden Severus, taking in his sunken features and weary hair flicked casually over his shoulder.

"Now he finds his voice. That's a man all over for you, blaming others for his misgivings. Do I recall incorrectly that when you started teaching at Hogwarts you agreed to supply the Hospital Wing indefinitely? I would not trust Horrace Slughorn to make a potion to save my life. His mind has gone all loopy and has neither the grace nor the attention to detail needed to produce potions of this importance."

"Flattery will get you nowhere quickly"

"But nowhere is somewhere. Enough chit-chat, let's take a look at you"

After a few moments of colourful diagnostic charms and testing his blood for abnormalities Poppy huffed in what little triumph she could muster.

"Nothing to be done. It seems the alcohol has finally left your system."

Snape nodded and Poppy helped him rest back into a seated position with his head resting against a conjured pillow.

"Your hangover should be settling in nicely. No doubt you are experiencing a head ache. Water. Lots of Water. That's is what this Matron orders. The Girding potion made quick work of your devils nectar I assure you. Here is a little lesson for you Severus, alcohol is known as a depressant drug. It depresses the central nervous system and the messages being sent between the brain and the body. Girding Potion is a stimulant. That means that it stimulates the central nervous system and in turn the messages corresponding between your body and brain-"

"Poppy I do not need a lecture-"

"-the two in essence are opposites. So when you put them together you have a battle for supremacy. Up. Down. Up. Down. Your body is not designed to handle the stress; so for the next couple of days I suggest you take time off to recover. The Girding potion will still be in effect and you will feel bouts of energy every now and then. You will have trouble sleeping; if it becomes too much I can induce sleep magically. Sorry dear, it is imperative that your body recovers naturally. Good rest, good food and positive thinking."

". . .positive thinking," Snape interrupted snidely, "because it comes so naturally"

On impulse he reached out towards his side table for his wand.

"Looking for your wand Severus?" snipped Pomfrey, "It is safely concealed in my apron, the Headmaster left it for you however I could not risk injury during your nightmares."

Sighing Poppy conjured a chair next to his cot and sat, charming the curtains closed to give them some privacy. Snape's arm started to twitch and his foot tapped under the covers to a rhythm unknown to him.

"I would administer Calming Draught for the surges. . ."

"It's fine Poppy" he answered stiffly, his left eye twitching.

Leaning over the cot Poppy placed a withered hand over Snape's. Her hand was warm and welcoming. The intimate gesture unnerved Snape no matter how comforting it was meant to be inferred. Ever since Snape was a little boy he had detested others touching him. It was a trait that had made it difficult for him to socialise with other children or to bond with his family.

Just this once, he thought, It would not bode well to incur her disciplinary hand. Poppy is not above scalding Hogwarts staff. After all I have bothered her in my serious lapse of judgement.

Normally if Snape arrived late one night from an inner circle gathering bruised and bleeding, rippling with the aftershocks of a crucio he would heal himself in his quarters. Rarely did he see Poppy other than to deliver her potions or students into her care. Overall they were acquaintances at best. Having no personal reasons for dislike her. Poppy tightened her grip and he winced.

"This is the fourth time you have been in here this week, not that I don't mind the visits-"she paused as if considering her next words, "When I release you I do not want to see you until I am required to conduct a check-up. I'd also advice against you drinking-"

"Obviously."

Shifting, Snape slipped his hand out from under Poppy's. She let out a sigh at the cool air that kissed her hand upon his retraction and straightened in her chair.

"I need not remind you that while in my care anything you should say in confidence shall remain confidential hereafter. Normally I am not one to pry but was there a reason why you felt obligated to drink an entire bottle of Odgen's Firewhisky? An woman such as myself knows all too well the signs of a man feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders."

Snape remained silent and avoided her russet eyes.

Woman, you have no idea.

"Severus? Is there something you wish to share?"

"Not particularly"

Taking offence to his lack of trust, Poppy snapped her wand in the air and a bowl of steaming soup materialised, hovering in front of her.

"Well then, since you are awake I expect you to eat. The Headmaster expressed his concern about your weight and I tend to agree with him. This soup is full of vitamins and nutrients. I'll be releasing you tomorrow. Perhaps considering I am now well behind in my menial duties you can start restocking my shelves once you are able. Until such time no stressful activity. Is that clear?"

"Crystal."

Poppy placed the bowl on the side table and handed Snape his wand back. Throwing open the curtains she stiffly exited the room, closing the curtain behind her. Snape listened to her heels click along the floor in departure, his ears pricking up when she called back in a snide voice,

"And don't even think about using Evanesco on the soup Professor Snape or I shall be forced to spoon feed you."

Cursing angrily at her humour, he sat the bowl in his lap and began to spoon the warm liquid into his mouth and forcing it down his throat.

~O~

Hermione and Harry swiftly made their way towards Hogwarts many greenhouses. The lack of harsh wind had allowed a thin mist to fall on the grounds and it took them a little longer than usual to find the right one. They entered the furthest greenhouse and was welcomed warmly by Professor Sprout. They took their places and were told to continue their term work on the Snargaluff plant. Passing Harry his protective gloves, she pulled on her own and felt a presence behind her.

"Wow, you lot don't wait do you? I even called out to you Harry why didn't you wait for me?"

Harry turned sheepishly to regard his friend and Hermione flat out ignored him.

"Sorry mate," said Harry inserting a gum shield. "I didn't hear you, not with Lavender carrying on the way she was"

"Oh come on Harry, she was just being friendly. I was about to ask you how your meeting with Dumbledore was last night. Showing you all that stuff about You-Know-Who, I mean, I don't understand why he is showing you all this stuff"

Hermione took this moment to ridicule Ron, for her own selfish reasons, "Really Ronald, you don't understand? Don't you think it would be sensible to know everything there was to know about Voldemort in order to find out his weaknesses?! I think it is fantastic Harry"

Harry had to chuckle a little at Ron's offended stature and Hermione's obvious ignorance. He decided to change the subject though just to be safe, "So I have not asked you yet how Slughorn's dinner last night went Hermione?'

Oh the party, I had completely forgotten about it.

Hermione had been much to upset with Ron and Harry to do anything other than throw herself into study. Frowning at Harry, she confided her lack of attendance.

"I didn't go Harry"

"Why didn't you go?"

"I completely forgot about it but honestly Harry who has time for parties? Professor Slughorn always drones on about his ex-pupils and froths all over McLaggen because he is so well connected. Utter nonsense"

Bustling over towards them, Professor Sprout scalded them for their lack of enthusiasm at starting their projects, not to mention, their inane chatter.

"Ok Professor we are starting now!" said Hermione quickly.

When Professor Sprout turned away to glorify Neville's first pod Ron whispered quietly. 'We should have used Muffliato, Harry."

"You already remember the spells?" spat Hermione, "You promised me that you would only use your Advanced Potions Making book for potions. Do not make me regret trusting you Harry Potter!"

"I know Hermione, I haven't used any of the spells, I promise!"

Deciding not to poke the sleeping dragon, Harry and Ron exchanged apprehensive looks and together divided the gnarled stump between them. After an age, the long, prickly, bramble like vines had been subdued; Hermione forced her arm into the stump and extracted a large pod, similar to Neville's. They sat the pulsating pod into a bowl that Harry had conjured, with a disgusted look on her face, Hermione stepped back and allowed the boys to take over.

" Harry, I forgot to mention that Ginny told me that Slughorn is having a Christmas Party. There is no way you'll be able to wriggle out of this one because he asked Ginny to ask me to check your free evenings, so he could be sure to have it on a night you could come."

Harry groaned and tried to take his displeasure out on the pod, squashing it as hard as he could.

"I guess that this is another party just for Slughorn's favourites then isn't it" clipped Ron, holding the bowl so that it did not fly off the table in Harry's assault.

"Yes, just for those he seems, worthy," answered Hermione snidely.

"Well that's just rich isn't it, Slug Club, what a load of tripe," Hermione bristled at his harsh words but remained silent, "Well, I hope you have a fantastic time at that party. Why don't you shack up with McLaggen, we all know he's got his eye on you, then Slughorn can make you King and Queen of the party!"

"Get over yourself Ronald, " snapped Hermione, "We are allowed to bring guests and I was going to ask you but I am still waiting for an apology for the way you treated me the other day. Harry apologised but apparently it is above you to do so! I think I will ask McLaggen. He is. . . 'charming' in his own special way"

Ron's shoulders slumped. Harry was blissfully unaware of the heated exchange, too busy concentrating on the wriggling pod, he picture it to be Slughorn and continued to squeeze it aggressively, he even swore he hear it squeak like him.

"You were going to ask me?" said Ron quietly,

Hermione, caught off guard at it his suddenly quiet demeanour, composed herself.

"Yes, I was."

Before Ron could answer, Harry triumphantly shoved the bowl with the now very squashed and motionless pod under Ron's nose. Tens of tiny tubers wriggling like little pale green worms greeted him.

"Got it, great stress reliever, this morning has turned out to be very satisfying!" He looked from Ron to Hermione with a large grin on his face. Hermione seemed flushed and Ron shifted from either foot awkwardly.

The rest of the lesson passed in silence, which Professor Sprout adored admirably.

~O~

That afternoon while Harry and Ron were at Quidditch practice Hermione decided to visit the Hospital Wing to see if she could find Professor Snape. He had been absent from all the meals in the Great Hall the last couple of days. She had overheard a fifth year talking to her friends about not having a free period where they would usually have Defence Against the Dark Arts, indicating Snape was not teaching his classes. The word around the castle was that a non-verbal curse had backfired, injuring him and was now being treated in the Hospital Wing. Convincing herself she had a headache, Hermione made her way to the Hospital Wing, anticipating Madam Pomfrey to ask why she was visiting she decided to claim needing a Head Cure potion as her alibi.

She had not forgotten about his indiscretion on Monday. Hermione still remembered his smouldering eyes, dragging her into the black abyss like a moth drawn to the flame. Never had she seen such a contrast to the usually proper, snarky and distant Professor. In all honestly she was intrigued and as the days passed this intrigue manifested itself visually in her dreams.

The dream took place in the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, Snape would stand in front of her clad only in slacks and push his shoulders back defiantly, as if to yell at her. Never did either of them utter a word but stare at each other. His eyes were vividly real, the image imprinted permanently in her mind even when she closed her eyes. Each time she blinked he seemed to come closer and closer until he stood a mere inch from her and she would reach out to him. That was when she would wake up in a cold sweat.

Shaking her head, Hermione turned the corner and found herself at the Hospital Wing. The doors were closed so she knocked loudly against the wooden surface. Activated by her touch, two small carvings in the large wooden door glowed lightly and shot upwards towards the door frame. Hermione saw Madam Pomfrey's aged eyes through the circular holes.

"Miss Granger?! You are not ill are you?"

"Not anything serious", smiled Hermione, "I am in need of a healing potion though Madam Pomfrey, why are the doors shut?"

The two carvings shot back toward to their original places and the oak door swung open revealing a prickly Madam Pomfrey who quickly ushered her in.

"Oh no reason dear, sometimes I need to keep the door closed to prevent a draft, I have to lock them otherwise the damn things swing open and bash against the wall. Always defied a good sticking charm! Come in come in I haven't got all day"

Following Madam Pomfrey into her office, Hermione took a seat across from her, lowering her shoulder bag next to her. In Madam Pomfrey's office was a large feature wall behind her desk that Hermione had never noticed before. It had hundreds of photographic portraits on it and they watched her excitedly. She recognised some of the people in the photos and they waved delightedly back at her.

"Madam Pomfrey what are those photographs?"

Madam Pomfrey arched her head behind her and then smiled softly at the girl.

"This is a patient wall. It has a picture of every student and staff member in the school. When a person is admitted, the photographs are charmed to record the time spent by each individual in recovery. It is for the yearly reports."

Reaching up Madam Pomfrey grabbed the closet picture, "This young Ravenclaw has spent 4 days, 9 hours, 10 minutes and 12 seconds in recovery. About average for a third year," an image of a freckled faced lad smiled back at her.

Placing the photograph back, Pomfrey pointed her wand at the wall, her wing back chair pushing slightly backwards with her movement. "Accio Hermione Granger's photograph!" From the fourth row, about fifteen photographs in, Hermione's photograph peeled itself off the wall and flew gently down towards them.

Pomfrey caught it in her hand and held it in front of Hermione to take. Taking it in her hands she saw her face smiling back at her happily. Her brown bushel of hair pulled into a low pony tail and her brown eyes wide and curious.

Hermione inspected the white boarder, small writing curled its way around it, "It says 1 week" Poppy nodded and urged her to continue, "4 Days, 10 Hours, 6 minutes and 43 seconds" she fell off the last bit. Have I really been in the hospital Wing for that long?

"That is a very long time Miss Granger, the year has barely started." Taking the photograph off her and casting it back into its original place, "The photographs are updated yearly and records are housed in the Headmasters office."

Nodding thoughtfully Hermione addressed Madam Pomfrey, "That is very interesting Madam Pomfrey, I was not aware I had been in here for so long or as frequently."

"Yes it all adds up doesn't it," Madam Pomfrey sighed impatiently, "So it seems you are in need of a healing potion?" Hermione nodded, "What is the problem?"

"I have a head ache that doesn't seem to want to disappear"

"Head Cure, that's the ticket. During stocktake I found that particular brew absent but never fear, I sent an errand boy to purchase a dozen in Hogsmeade. I left them in my quarters I'll get a house elf to retrieve them."

Before Madam Pomfrey could summon an elf Hermione decided to take the opportunity to urge the Matron to get it herself. It would buy her sometime to have a look around and see if Professor Snape was still here.

"Madam Pomfrey, if you don't mind me saying, I do not wish to be rude but is it a good idea to get an elf to fetch it? The magical properties of the elf have damaging effects on potions, I read about it in 'Elves: How very unhelpful', it went on to say that the residue of their magic taints potions and magical ingredients. That's why they are not in charge of brewing or preparing ingredients."

Pomfrey, smiled a tight line at Hermione, "Well that would explain a few things; you see I do not brew my own potions. Just sit tight Miss Granger and I will be back in two shakes."

Madam Pomfrey left Hermione alone in her office. Hermione heard her heels fade off and the doors slam shut and jumped from her seat to walk into the Hospital Wing. Seeing the heavy curtain of the teacher's wing, she urged silent footsteps and cautiously approached. Taking in a deep breath she pulled back the curtain, it bobbed loosely under her grip.

The cot was empty and held no sign of the Professor Snape.

Disappointed Hermione went to turn around only to find herself faced with a broad chest decorated with a regiment of silver buttons that flashed against black silk pyjamas.

"What have we here?"

Raising her gaze she came to see Severus Snape. Pale faced with dark bags under his eyes and breathing in and out slowly, her heart ached slightly at the sight.

"You are far too curious for your own good Miss Granger," pulling into his familiar sneer.

Hermione stuttered to string a coherent sentence together, her eyes growing wide and fearful. Suddenly she found her courage had escaped her.

"Gryffindor courage indeed."

Snape stood a mere inch away from her and held no intention of moving just like in her dream. Except unlike her dream this was a very real and dangerous situation to find oneself in but despite herself she felt a thrill run through her body.

Snape looked down his nose at her and she recognised the familiar darkness in his eyes he held that day in class.

"I-I am sorry Professor Snape . . . I did not mean to intrude"

"Spying on me Miss Granger?"

"No I wasn't honestly!. . . I have nothing but good intentions. I just wanted to see if you were-"

Grabbing her wrist he spun her around facing away from him and pinned her down to the bed with her arm behind her back. She cried in alarm, dropping her satchel and with his free hand Snape thrust his wand under her chin. Wordlessly he charmed the curtains closed and they were alone.

In the same room

Together

Oh Merlin, is he going to kill me?

"Don't….lie…..to me" he whispered into her ear threateningly.

Flexing his fingers around her wrist and taking in heavier breaths, Snape felt adrenaline surge through his veins. Finding he could not help himself he applied more pressure to her wrist making her wince. Hermione tried in vain to was wriggle out from underneath his grip. The action was causing her skirt to riding up, exposing her upper thigh.

"I'm not lying!" she squealed.

"Is that your nose growing Miss Granger? Come to spy on me for your little friends? Desire to poison me while I slept blissfully unaware? Or to gloat perhaps. . ."

"No! I just wanted to see if you were alright! Please let go Professor you are hurting me!"

Hermione tried to reach for her wand but Snape seized it from her pocket before she could snatch it; he placed it on the side table. Using the energy the surge allowed, Snape passed the barrier of her mind and delved into her memories.

He saw himself standing at the front of his classroom, semi-nude and exuding noxious fumes.

"Yes. Miss Granger?" came a familiar inflection.

"Are you alright?" the girl asked in concern

"Why?"

"You don't have your robes on Sir."

"So it would seem"

Down at the Black Lake, the girl and Potter seemed to be arguing.

"-I do not really care if Snape was drunk off his face. I hope he kills himself"

"Harry! How could you say such a horrible thing about someone? Can't you see that he is obviously suffering.-"

Perhaps I should go and visit Professor Snape in the hospital Wing and see if he is alright. I can always tell Madam Pomfrey I have a head ache. . .

Snape pulled out of Hermione's mind and turned gently to sit next to her on the cot, releasing her wrist. He now felt utterly exhausted as the surge died down and the feeling of futility overtook him. Resting his elbows on his knees he tried to moderate his breathing and ran a shaky hand through his hair.

All my spy intuition wasted on this insufferable girl who is no more than a bleeding heart feeling obligate to visit out of pity. For this I will not tolerate

Hermione felt his weight lift and pushed off the cot to try and wiped at the tears falling from her face. She was absolutely embarrassed and horrified. Walking past him she picked up her wand. Snape cleared his throat.

"Do you lack common decency?" he muttered.

He indicated to her skirt that sat on the side of her hip. Flashing a glimpse of her underwear, hastily she pulled it back down and busied herself by smoothing it out and pulling invisible fluff off it.

"Preserve your pity for someone who wants it Granger and get out!"

Hermione looked at her Professor with such conviction that she pulled her hand back and slapped him, to both of their surprise.

Ow.

Snape put a hand to his face. A fine stinging sensation flooded through his cheek and it radiated heat into his hand. No doubt his face would have a petite red hand mark engulfing his cheek.

Oh Merlin I just slapped Professor Snape!

"Uh-I" stuttered Hermione clutching her pinching hand.

Holding a hand up in a silencing gesture Snape pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and index finger. The head ache he suffered multiplied tenfold and his stomach began to churn violently.

"I may vomit."

"Beg pardon?" Hermione asked hesitantly.

"Did I stutter? I said I may vomit you irksome-Ten points from Gryffindor!"

Snape brought his hands over his head and rocked backwards slowly causing his silk shirt to rise over his shallow stomach revealing a trail of thin black hair. Hermione seethed openly.

"You honestly have the audacity to demerit points from Gryffindor after you assaulted me?" she whispered furiously.

"Make that….fifteen points" moaned Snape under his hands.

"What for?!"

"Assaulting a-ugh," Snape lurked forward. Hermione acted on impulse and transfigured his pillow into a bucket that just made it into Snape's hands before he emptied the contents of his stomach. The smell permeated through the air, the familiar stench of Girding Potion and vegetable soup filled Hermione's nose and she fought to cover her face with her hands.

That smells like Girding Potion it is used for endurance purposes. Why does he need to take extra endurance, where is he going? What could he be doing?

"Miss Gr-"

A loud bang echoed through the ward, causing them both to jump. Snape buried his head in the bucket again and Hermione could hear him retching. The recognisable trot of Madam Pomfrey's footsteps entered the room. Hermione looked to Snape who was wiping his mouth with the back of his sleeve, he was visibly shaking and looked white as paper.

"Madam Pomfrey!" shouted Hermione.

"Miss Granger? What are you doing over there?"

Footsteps sounded loudly as Madam Pomfrey raced to Snape's ward. Pulling back the curtain she was shocked to find Miss Granger and Severus alone together.

"Heavens above Miss Granger what on earth are you doing in-Severus are you alright? What happened?"

"Uh"

"Why is does he have a bucket?"

"H-he was vomiting Madam Pomfrey"

Turning her attention to Snape, who seethed at the old woman, Madam Pomfrey banished the bucket and pushed Snape back onto the bed and threw the covers over him.

"You should be in bed," she whispered angrily to him, "Vomiting will only aggravate your condition. Have a surge did we? Obviously Miss Granger's company is over stimulating you."

"Doubtful," He hissed swatting weakly at her nimble hands tucking him in, "I found her snooping and I acted accordingly."

"You attacked me!" protested Hermione

"That remains to be seen"

"That is quite enough. Miss Granger could you please grab your satchel and step outside for a moment? I am going to induce Professor Snape into a magical slumber," urged Madam Pomfrey with stern eyes.

Hermione stepped out of the private wing but not without shooting Snape a lasting look. She was furious at him. How dare he take points off me! I was only trying to see if he was alright there was no pity in it what so ever I just concerned- her thoughts died off there. Hermione had found it difficult to admit to herself that she felt concerned for Snape's wellbeing ever since it was revealed he was a member of the Order of the Phoenix. She began to see him in a new light.

Admiration had begun to flourish, no longer was he solely her dreaded teacher or 'bat of the dungeons'. He was a man, a human being of flesh and blood. Who risked his life every day, living the life of a double agent and sacrificing his time to educate and protect. How could I not be attracted to those qualities? Cursing to herself at her adolescent infatuation, I do not have an infatuation with Professor Snape, he is vile and cruel and he maliciously attacked me, violated my mind. . . . . .and pinned me to the cot. . . . . oh goodness he saw my knickers!

Hermione cringed at the thought of her Professor eying her unmentionables and concentrated on listening to Madam Pomfrey chanting on the other side of the curtain. It was a chant Hermione did not recognised might have been taught in St. Mungo's training college, I believe that is where Madam Pomfrey got her qualifications. Slowly Hermione sat down on a nearby cot and inspected her wrist. It was bright red and throbbed. Professor Snape is very strong he very nearly crushed my wrist. I suppose he needs to be strong to survive the life he lives. Still, there is no reason to take his frustrations out on me. Perhaps I should not have come and waited until our next class together. I hope he is alright.

~O~

Dragging Hermione to the entrance Madam Pomfrey addressed the somber with the demeanour of a rousing parent.

"I have no idea what was going through your head Miss Granger but you are very lucky to be leaving unscathed."

"Yes Madam Pomfrey it was quite foolish of me"

"Foolish indeed, I leave you alone for five minutes and you manage to induce my only patient into expelling a stomachs worth of nutrients," stopping at the door she gave Hermione the one over and saw her injured wrist.

"It's nothing really," winced Hermione

"Nothing my foot, these markings were clearly absent while in my office," giving Hermione a knowing look.

"Like I said. . . Professor Snape attacked me"

"Attacked you?!"

"Yes but he didn't mean too hurt me. I saw that the curtain was closed and I knew Professor Snape had been admitted. . . . I wanted to see if he was ok. I was worried," said Hermione breathlessly, I can't tell her about what happened I took the wizard's oath, "You see he did not turn up to class on time and the class contacted Dumbledore to see where he was and that is all we heard on the matter."

"That is touching but does not explain your injury." Tutted Madam Pomfrey.

"Well I came into his wing and he wasn't there but when I turned to leave he was behind me. He asked me why I was there and I tried to tell him but he wouldn't listen so he pinned me to the bed, twisted my arm and – oh when I say it like that it sounds awful doesn't it!"

"Oh dear," Pomfrey gently grabbed Hermione's wrist and pulled a vial from her apron pocket and uncorked it. "This ought to do the trick. Your wrist should be fine in a few moments. Just keep it rested for a few hours," she muttered, rubbing the substance into the girl's skin, "I think it is best you go straight to bed and have a good nights rest."

Rest? How can I possible sleep soundly after this?

"Let this be a lesson to you, should you ever feel the need to 'visit' Professor Snape again." Placing the vial back in her apron pocket she extracted two different vials and gave them to Hermione. "A Head Cure and a Dreamless Sleep. No doubt you will need the latter tonight."

"Thank you Madam Pomfrey"

"Off you go then!"

Madam Pomfrey watched sadly as Hermione bolted out the door shutting it behind her.

~O~

Hermione ran as fast as her legs could carry her. Head down and silently hoping that no one would stop her to chat. She flew past wandering students and bellowing ghosts. Through archways and up the moving stair case. Shouted "Moonpie!" at the Fat Lady and flew into the common room and up the stairs to her dormitory.

Dinner was neglected that night and no matter how hard Ginny knocked on her door, or how loud Lavender and Parvati gossiped, she did not leave her bed. Crookshanks mewing about her sympathetically, clawing into her pyjamas in an effort to comfort her. Hermione cradled her wrist and downed the Dreamless sleep. As she drifted off to sleep she allowed small tears to run from her eyes.

Preserve your pity for someone who wants it Granger

Severus Snape did not visit her dreams that night and for that she was thankful.
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Years of Burden