Time After Time

Chapter Seven: Time After Time

Hermione was given her own private room in the hospital wing, and left it to Minerva to explain the situation to Poppy. Although she was shocked, Poppy took it in her stride, and made sure that Dumbledore was kept far away from her. Hermione sat, legs curled into her chest, with the Elder Wand directly in front of her upon the bed. She had performed some simple spells with it once she was alone, and found that, indeed, she was currently its true master, which left the headmaster without his own wand. Perhaps, she reasoned, that was for the best, especially for the time being.

She looked up as the door opened, and Severus stood at the threshold. There were dark circles underneath his eyes, leading her to believe that he hadn't slept the night before. She felt her heart pounding inside her breast as she uncurled one of her arms from around her knees, and held her hand out to him.

Severus appeared shocked at this, but shut the door behind him and crossed the room, sitting on the edge of the bed and taking her by the hand. "I can't even begin to express how apologetic I am, Hermione," he said softly. "The thought of you leaving me became too much to bear, although I know that is no excuse. I just couldn't bear to lose you, and even the possibility of it sent me into a fit of blind rage..."

"Shh," Hermione whispered, inching closer and kissing him on the lips. "I understand, although you really did hurt me, I do give you my forgiveness. The thought of losing you... It makes me crazy, to be honest. I think I said some things that were untoward as well—"

"But I provoked you into saying them," Severus interrupted. "I am completely undeserving of you, Hermione Granger."

"No, you're not," Hermione said firmly. "I want you."

Severus pressed his forehead into hers. "Merlin knows why." He hesitated for a moment before he pulled back. "I understand that facing Dumbledore could have been daunting, but you seemed to be on automatic pilot. How come you bested him so quickly?"

Hermione wetted her lips. "About that..." The door opened from behind Severus and she looked up, flushing slightly as Poppy stepped into the room. "Good afternoon, Poppy," she said softly, and took ahold of Severus's hand to prevent him from walking away from her. "Is everything going all right?"

Poppy nodded. "It is," she assured her. "Minerva provided Kingsley and Alastor with the pensive memories Severus extracted from you upon your arrival," she explained. "The ones about the headmaster and his actions towards Harry."

Hermione straightened. "What are you saying, Poppy?"

Severus nodded. "Yes, I would rather like to know as well."

"Dumbledore has been stripped of his headmaster position, and will no longer be Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot," Poppy declared proudly. "He is to go on trial for child abuse, as well as the use of the forbidden blood wards, thus keeping Harry with those dreadful Muggles. He will be held in Azkaban before his trial, which is due to begin in three weeks' time. Minerva has been immediately appointed Headmistress of Hogwarts, and I think she has a mind to make you her deputy, Severus."

Severus sputtered. "I... I don't..."

"There is ample time to consider everything," Poppy assured him, before turning to a still-stunned Hermione. "Now," she continued, and reached into her healers' robes, and producing a file folder. "It was interesting examining you, Hermione, considering that I have only known you at eleven and twelve-years-old."

Hermione nodded. "Yes, I imagine it would be."

Poppy smiled at her, before opening the folder and reading. "You were exhausted, given the amount of magic you expelled defending yourself against the headmaster, which is completely unsurprising, giving the levels you had to produce. The nutrient potions we gave you seemed to have stabilized things... How are you feeling?"