In Sickness and in Health

{2}

Hermione recoiled at the Potioneer's name. How could Severus Snape be their only option in helping to heal Ron? The old bat probably wouldn't agree, though Hermione was reluctant to even ask.

"Are you sure he's our only option?" The top of her nose scrunched up in anger, and the healer took on a look of fear.

"The other Potion Master has just started the treatment, and Mr. Weasley must be seen within the next week with the first potion. Master Snape has done us this service before, and he has never refused the few times we have had to contact him," the healer tried to tell Hermione calmly, though the quiver in his voice gave him away.

With the late hour, Ginny and Harry had gone home, and Hermione was there alone, feeling none too well herself. Of course Ron wasn't having a picnic in his hospital bed, but having to go to Severus Snape for help was the last thing she expected in the late of this night.

"Must I do it or will he be contacted through you?" She demanded much more firmly than the night-shift healer took kindly to.

"We recommend you make contact, Miss Granger, that way price negotiations can be made and you can get to know them."

Hermione rolled her eyes. She already knew him, so there was no acquainting to be done, but price? He would probably jack up the cost to some unimaginable amount that she would be forced to pay because of course Ron needed to live. That wasn't in question.

Something came to Hermione's mind in that moment, "Why must I be acquainted with him?"

"You must do this because Mr. Weasley will be able to go home before the first potion is administered. We will not wake him, however, until all potions have been given, and we are at the end of three months."

"So they'll be administered at my flat is what I am hearing?" She retorted, feeling mildly upset as though it was the stressful time of school all over again.

Hermione had never liked the way she had felt under Professor Snape's watch, and though this was a much different situation as he would be doing all the brewing, it didn't make her any less nervous for insults.

"Yes, Miss Granger," the healer replied, yawning as he placed the hand with his wand over his mouth.

Hermione felt the urge to yawn as well, but she needed to go home and rest. The next morning she had a potioneer to visit.

"Thank you, sir, I'll be in contact with him tomorrow."

The man nodded and handed over information for Professor Snape, who currently seemed to be residing at Hogwarts. He must be preparing for a new school year, though she truly hated to think that more students would have to endure him.

Hermione went back to Ron, kissed his forehead, and left for the night.

-

Before even getting dressed, Hermione was on the telephone with Harry, telling him what she knew and what her plan was for the day. Despite how horrifying it was to her, Harry didn't seem to think it too big of a deal.

"Snape seemed pretty courteous to me when I talked with him after his recovery. There was an ease to him that I think might have come to light after Voldemort was killed."

Hermione groaned, knowing her best friend to be one of the people who thought well of Severus Snape. She known that the Auror didn't think him a hero, but he'd saved Harry's life and apparently that was good for something. This also explained his friendship with Draco Malfoy, one of which Hermione still didn't quite grasp.

"I understand you think that, but he hated Ron and I! You were his love's son, you had some sway in his behavior. The moment I show up I am going to be mocked or completely turned away."