Denouement (Snamione) **On Going**

Chapter 7

Hermione thought about the small changes that had come into effect since Professor McGonagall became head master.
Students could now apperate and disaperate from within Hogwarts grounds, however only 7th years had the privilege.

Also, a new class.. 'House Studies' was introduced and taught to all students in a bid to fight against the wrong kind of house rivalry. It was one thing competing for the house cup, but the bullying that occurred due to the division between houses needed stamping out.

Yes, Professor McGonagall was much stricter than Albus Dumbledore ever was but it was all with good intentions. There certainly weren't as many students running amok and the detention levels were actually slightly lower than before.

Hermione wondered to herself how Snape will take it when she informs him that SHE shall be standing in for him when the new term begins. 'That's going to go down like a ton of shit.' She scoffed to herself as she headed towards the hospital wing. The usual commotion between nurse and patient audible as soon as she entered through the doors.

"I will bloody hex you woman!"
"Severus, I truly doubt that. You do not have your wand nor could you swish it if you did..."
"Insolent witch!"

Hermione smirked as she approached the wizards bed. "Aah! Hermione.. Professor Snape is in a mood again. I'm glad you are here maybe you can convince him to eat his lunch." Madame Pomfrey sighed. Hermione half smiled as the medi witch scowled at her least favourite patient.

"Miss Granger.... How are you this morning? I'm assuming that you are well?" Snape asked politely, still glaring at Madame Pomfrey as she passed his bed. "Not too bad Professor, why are you refusing to eat your lunch?" Hermione pouted, Snape smirked at the young witch in response.

"I know, how about I help you?" Hermione suggested, picking up the knife and fork and beginning to cut into the pork chop. "I don't want help!" He cried. "I know you don't, you're frustrated because you are a very independent man. Just allow me to help you a little, please?" Hermione smiled gently. Snape nodded reluctantly, deep down he appreciated that she knew how he was feeling. And didn't treat him like an incapable baby.

She helped him devour his meal and set the empty plate on the bedside table.
"Oh!! He's eaten it! How on earth did you manage that! I should call upon you at every mealtime.. he listens to you!" Poppy beamed. "HE is here and can hear you talking about him as if HE is not." Snape spat as the medi witch took the plate away.

"I understand how annoying and frustrating she can be." Hermione chuckled warmly. "Imagine what it's like at bath time and when the lavatory is needed." Snape said sadly, Hermione's eyes meeting his with empathy. "I hadn't thought..." Hermione winced. "It's humiliating Hermione." Snape cried, tears filling his eyes that he refused to let fall.

'He called me Hermione...' she smiled to herself, before reaching forward and wiping the tears from his lower eyelids.
"Just hold on Professor, you are going to get through this. WE are going to get through this, I'm sure of it." She insisted confidently, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. "We?" He replied, not knowing wether to smile or scowl. "I'm going to be by your side all the way."

Snape couldn't believe what she had said, it was as if she actually.. cared.
He scanned her face sceptically for any sign of humour, but found none.
No, he wasn't the butt of a joke this time,
'She really meant it.' He realised.

"How are things with Weasley? Is he speaking to you yet?" Snape asked nosily, deep down he was glad their relationship was over. "No, he still hates me Professor. Harry has tried, time and time again to get through to him.. I understand why he hates me though, I just wish he could see that the choice i made was the right one." Hermione sighed.

"You had a choice to make, and he disapproved of your decision.. that's his problem. I know you're an intelligent and caring witch. You would not make any decisions lightly. If he was deserving of you he would know that." Snape told her honestly.

"It's not that simple, because..." Hermione began but paused. It was not the time nor place for this conversation.
"For Merlins sake woman, be honest with me!" Snape grunted, looking at the beautiful witch. Hermione gulped,
"I had the chance to save someone and it was between Remus, Tonks, Fred and another boy." Hermione explained, leaving out anything that would divulge the complete truth.

"I see... and I take it you chose to save the other boy?" Snape inquired, understanding Hermione's stress. "Yes, because I felt it was the right thing to do. I adored Fred, I really did. It's just..."
"It's ok, don't get upset. We can change the subject." Snape replied sadly, the newly forming tears in Hermione's eyes causing an ache in his bitter old heart.

Hermione nodded and gave him a gentle smile, before reaching into her sachel for a tissue to dry her eyes. "I have a question professor? You're a man who lives for answers, why are you not pushing me for them?" She asked honestly, Snape chuckled under his breath before replying..
"Miss Granger, I think that you will explain more when you are ready.. and now is obviously not that time."