My Gift To You

Chapter 21

Hermione woke to Severus looking at her.

"Sev," she said excitedly as she bounced up and down,"you're awake! Are you okay?"

He smiled at her weakly. He gave her a quick nod and let his head rest against the pillows again.

She sat up. He didn't look okay.

I am fine, my love. Do not worry about me, he said in her mind.

How did he get that right?!

You did it too. Last night when you answered. You did it.

She looked at him in confusion. She did it too? She didn't mean to. She didn't even know she could.

My love, you shouldn't stress yourself. It is not good for you. Nor is it for Bree, Severus' voice purred in her mind.

"Can't you speak?" Hermione asked with concern as she sat looking at him.

My voice barely makes a sound. Poppy says it's just my vocal cords. I'll be okay. I just need time to heal, Severus said in a comforting tone.

Hermione sighed. She knew he was right. She should calm down. It was just so difficult!

She let out a deep breath. Then she nodded slowly.

"Okay. I'm going to get ready for the day. Classes are cancelled so I'll just get dressed, then I'll be back, okay?" She said as she slowly tried to get off the bed.

Okay. Perhaps you should call Poppy to help? You get on things easily enough. Off is a problem now a days, eh? Severus' voice rolled through her mind, sounding amused.

"Yeah, yeah. Thanks for that, my love," she said as she scowled.

You're welcome, he said as he smirked.

"Poppy?" Hermione called, waiting for the nurse to enter.

Poppy pulled the curtains back and smiled at her.

"What's the matter, Hermione?" She asked with a smile as she came to stand next to the girl.

"Well see," Hermione said as she giggled,"I got on the bed easily. Getting off is rather difficult by myself."

Poppy laughed softly.

"Of course," she said as she offered her hand.

Hermione stood steady as she let go.

"Thank you, Poppy," she said as her cheeks turned a bright red.

"Always, my dear. Will you be back later?" Poppy asked as she looked at the girl, then at Severus.

Hermione nodded.

"Yes," she said with a smile as she gathered her things,"I just need to have a bath."

Poppy smiled.

"Alright," she said as she led Hermione out,"did you take your tablets?"

Hermione's eyes grew wide.

"Not yet," she said with embarrassment,"I was here since last night. I'll drink them before I come back."

"Good," Poppy said with a smile,"I'll see you soon then."

Hermione nodded as she headed out and made her way to the dungeons.

***

The water relieved the tension in her body. Hermione decided on a shower due to having no one to help her out the bath.