Proud of You

Thank you to everyone who took the time to review. This is a short chapter, but in my defense it took off in a completely different direction than what I had in mind. I blame it on the song I was listening to. It's called End Transmission by AFI. Normally when I'm choosing a song to write to, I try to pick one that helps me identify better with the emotions of the character I'm dealing with. That wasn't the case with this chapter because there weren't really any emotions to be dealt with, or so I thought. :) Like I said, it took on a life of its' own. That being said, this chapter is brought to you by AFI and Jagermeister. :) I hope you enjoy this next installment and please leave me a review!

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Hermione was early to Potions class on Monday. Professor Snape was seated at his desk again, only this time he was watching the door as though he was waiting for someone. Upon her arrival, his eyes shifted to her.

"Good afternoon, Miss Granger," he said hoarsely.

"Good afternoon, sir," she said with a smile as she took her seat.

"There's something I wish to discuss with you. Are you available this evening?"

Hermione did her best to hide her curiosity. "Yes, sir tonight would be fine."

"Is after dinner convenient for you?"

"Of course, Professor."

"Very well, come to my office after dinner then."

"Yes, sir." She studied him for a moment and saw that he was sweating. "Sir, are you alright?"

She stood from her chair and took a step towards him. Professor Snape nodded in response but she noticed his gaze was unfocused. She quickly went to the back of the classroom and filled a glass with water and took it to him. He grasped the glass but a tremor shot through his arm making it impossible for him to lift it. He gritted his teeth and fought the urge to hurl the glass across the room in frustration. He absolutely hated showing weakness in front of anyone.

"May I?" His angry retort died on his lips when he looked up and saw genuine concern shining in her eyes. He let go of the glass and she took it, guiding it to his lips and letting him take a drink.

"Thank you," he said softly, not meeting her eyes. Hermione gazed down at him, her expression unreadable.

"You're welcome. Would you like me to get the Headmaster?"

"No, I don't think that will be necessary," he replied, almost indignantly.

Hermione wasn't convinced. "Sir, forgive me for saying so, but you don't seem well."

Snape wasn't used to people being concerned for his well-being, therefore he never had the appropriate response. However, when he looked up at her to deliver his scathing remark, his vision blurred and he ended up slumping against her after losing consciousness. When he finally came to, he was in his bed. He walked out into the other room and found the Headmaster seated in a chair by the fire.

"How are you feeling? You gave Miss Granger quite a scare. She's been checking on you every hour," Albus said with a chuckle.

"Every hour? How long have I been out?"

"About five hours. You just missed dinner."

"Do you know exactly what happened? The details aren't clear to me."

"From what Miss Granger told me, you didn't seem to be acting like yourself. Your voice was raspy, your eyes were unfocused, and then you lost consciousness and slumped against her."

Snape pinched the bridge of his nose. "Wonderful," he bit out sarcastically.

Just then, one of the elves appeared in front of the Headmaster. "Miss Granger sent Nippy to check on Professor Snape," the elf said meekly while bouncing anxiously from one foot to the other.

"Tell Miss Granger that she can come down here now for our meeting. Also, please bring down some sandwiches and tea." The elf nodded then disappeared. She reappeared with a tray of food and winked out again just as there was a knock at the door. "Enter," Snape said evenly. Hermione entered the living area and saw Professor Snape and the Headmaster talking quietly. The Headmaster looked up at her and stood.

"Well Severus, I believe I'll take my leave now. You two have much to discuss. Good evening, Miss Granger."

"Good evening, Headmaster." After he left, Hermione turned her attention to Snape.

"Please come in and make yourself comfortable, Miss Granger. Help yourself to anything you'd like," he said as he gestured to the tray.

She sat down on the couch and made herself a cup of tea. Snape sat down in his chair and busied himself with making a cup of tea as well. Hermione noted he looked better, but his movements weren't as fluid as normal. She was quite worried about him.

"Professor, how are you feeling?"

"I'm fine, Miss Granger," he responded tiredly.

"If I can be so bold sir, I don't think you are. What happened today only served to solidify that fact. I understand that it's none of my business, but please don't insult my intelligence. I know that there's something wrong with you." Snape silently studied her, his dark eyes boring into her own. He looked away from her and into the fire as he spoke.

"Yet again, you've come to the correct conclusion. Consequently, that is the reason for this meeting. I am in need of an assistant. My ailments prevent me from completing all my usual tasks. This includes brewing potions for Madame Pomphrey. For the most part, the extra brewing is the only thing I will require assistance with. The Headmaster has informed me that the rest of the staff is too busy and so I must look to the student body. I thought perhaps something of this nature may be of interest to you. It would only be temporary, as my symptoms will eventually dissipate. Do you wish to assist me?" Snape finally looked back at her.

"Yes, sir. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. If you don't mind me asking, what exactly is wrong with you? I'm assuming it has something to do with the attack by Nagini."

Snape's eyes hardened. "Contrary to your belief, it's not necessary for you to know everything. The extent of my illness is not your concern. We are not friends, Miss Granger. I am the teacher, you are the student, and we will maintain our respective roles even during these sessions. Have I made myself clear?" He noticed shame and sadness in her eyes before she cast her gaze downward.

"Yes, sir," she replied quietly.

"Good, then you are dismissed. I will inform you when I am in need of your assistance." Though she felt like fleeing, Hermione calmly walked to the door and let herself out.

Snape sighed and put his head in his hands. He felt awful for being such a callous bastard towards Hermione. She expressed worry and concern for him and he had responded with acerbity. Past experience had taught him that apologizing was futile and never yielded the desired result. Yet for some reason, for the first time in many years, he felt compelled to try.