Always

Chapter 8

Days had passed.

Severus still had not woken up.

Hermione had been in and out of the infirmary, checking on his progress, always being told there had been none.

Poppy watched the young witch get sadder each time she left. Each time she came, she had a sad smile, hoping for good news. Each time the news was the same.

"I need him to wake up," Hermione sobbed as she hugged the older witch.

Minerva held her young cub. She had always had a special place in her heart.

"I know, we all wish the same," Minerva said, not sure how to comfort her.

"Why won't he wake up?" Hermione asked as she looked st the one person that had been her mother for so long.

"He needs time. He will wake up, my dear. You'll see," she said as she placed her hand over her former student's.

"How do you know?" Hermione asked, anger etched into her voice.

"I know because he is Severus Snape. The most stubborn man I have ever met. He has a brilliant mind, just like you. If there is one thing I know, it is that Severus fights for what he wants. Surely you know this?" Minerva answered softly.

"I guess," Hermione said with a sniffle.

"Just keep your hope up. He will surprise you one day," Minerva said as the young witch stood.

'"Okay. I'm going to see him now. I will let you know if there is any progress," Hermione said as she walked out the door.

Hermione walked into the infirmary with her head held high.

"Poppy," she said in greeting as she walked over to Severus.

"Morning, dearie," Poppy said as the young witch passed her.

"Any progress?" Hermione asked although she already knew the answer.

"Not yet, dearie," Poppy said with a sigh.

Hermione nodded once. She sat next to her husband's bed and took his hand.

She looked at his face. It was still bruised and was now a deep yellow, green colour.

Hermione let out a silent sob as she squeezed his hand. She laid her head on the bed and let her emotions out.

Frantic sobs escaped her mouth and shook her body. She shook her head. Why was this happening? Why did it have to be her Sev?

"I love you, Sev," Hermione whispered,"I need you. I need you to wake up."

She looked at him, hoping to see a sign that he had heard her. There was none whatsoever.

Hermione's eyes filled with tears, her body overtaken with emotion.

She lay down next to Severus and placed her hand in his. She lay her head on his chest and let the sound of his heartbeat lull her to sleep.

***

Hermione woke, confused for a moment as to where she was.

Then it hit her. She was in the infirmary. Her husband was unconscious, still recovering from the battle.

She sighed and sat up, rubbing her hands over her eyes. She ran her hand through her hair. Looking over to Sev's face, she knew he had not stirred since she had fallen asleep.

Standing, she told Poppy that she would be back after dinner.

"I will keep an eye over him," Poppy said as Hermione disappeared from sight.