Snape's Saviour

Chapter 6 - A New Beginning

Jane recovered quickly. Even without the nurse's magical healing abilities, the simple fact that she was cared for and regularly provided with sufficient food was enough for her to regain her strength within a very short period.

Snape spent his free time by her bedside rather than lurking in the halls hoping to catch some unfortunate student doing something they shouldn't have been. Even in class, the students noticed a change in the Potions Master's temperament. Most agreed he seemed to be a little calmer and more tolerant of errors. Students relaxed and made less mistakes, particularly Neville Longbottom, and that just produced further improvements in Snape's demeanour.

Most still thought of Potions as their least favourite subject and most still hated or feared the cruel Potions Master, after all, he would still occasionally crack for no apparent reason, but things were generally far more tolerable all around and many wondered at the change. Harry and Ron realised that Hermione knew more than she was letting on, but the girl steadfastly stuck to her promise not to say anything. She said nothing to anyone, not even to her two best friends, and she wouldn't.

Dumbledore appreciated the girl's ability to keep the information from becoming general knowledge and knew she was the right person for the task at hand. About two weeks after that first meeting in his office, he asked the young witch to return to his office. This time he had some good news for her. He watched as she sat uncomfortably, waiting for him to speak.

"Relax Miss Granger, you aren't in any trouble. The reason I have called you here today is because Professor Snape seems to think his guest is ready to meet you. My understanding is that she is not yet completely recovered, but that she is well on the way and is becoming increasingly bored with being left alone in the hospital wing for such long periods."

"Her recovery is good news Headmaster," the witch said mildly.

"Indeed it is, Miss Granger," the Potions Master's silky voice agreed from behind her.

Hermione jumped, startled. Where had he come from? "Professor Snape!"

Snape looked at the startled student, slightly amused, eyes shining. "Correct again Miss Granger. It would seem that you are, indeed, a very clever witch."

Hermione was flabbergasted. He was playing with her. Snape was actually playing with her. She couldn't wait to meet the Muggle girl. She must have been very special to have such a significant effect on the evil Potions Master. Hermione smiled at him shyly, and he laughed at her timidity. Hermione turned bright red, the Potions Master laughed more.

"Severus, do try to control yourself. I don't want you frightening or confusing the students with such extreme changes in disposition," Dumbledore admonished, almost as amused as the Potions Master at Hermione's surprise.

Snape contained his amusement. "Sorry Headmaster," he choked out. "Forgive me for frightening you Miss Granger." He bowed slightly, amusement still dwelling in his eyes.

Hermione nodded, unable to speak.

"Miss Granger, the Headmaster is correct. My guest has indeed recovered to the point where I think it would be acceptable for her to have a visitor from the larger school community." Snape watched the girl's reaction and thought she seemed pleased. "I want to explain a few things to you about her background before you meet her however, it may make things a little easier for you."

"Yes Professor." Hermione looked at him expectantly.

"The young lady's name is Jane." Snape saw that Dumbledore had looked at him, surprised by that statement. He turned to the Headmaster to explain. "She told me this morning that she wished to be known as Jane. It seemed that she was concerned that I was having some difficulty in overcoming my previous conditioning and so she decided to return to the name I was comfortable with." Snape smiled. "She explained that I was the only one that mattered to her and she didn't want me to have to struggle to come to grips with her new identity. I think she was finding it somewhat difficult to come to terms with the change herself actually."

Dumbledore nodded and Snape turned his attention back to Hermione.

"Jane has not had the most pleasant of childhoods, in fact she has spent most of her life on the streets." Hermione paled at this information but continued to listen intently. "She has been abused in the most heinous of ways possible," Hermione saw Snape's eyes flash angrily at this, and felt a sickening feeling rise in her stomach, "and yet, she found it in herself to help me when I was in dire need of assistance after my last visit with the Dark Lord." He looked pointedly at the student. "You DO understand what I mean don't you Miss Granger."

"Yes Professor Snape." Hermione looked at him sympathetically.

Rumours that he had been killed had spread quickly during Snape's most recent and extended absence. This relieved most students; he was, after all, the least popular of the schools teaching staff. Only Harry, Ron and Hermione knew what Snape did during his absences, and they were reluctant to feel joy at the spread of the rumours, all three secretly fearing that they might well have been true. While they may have hated the Potions Master as much as the rest of the students, they all knew his death would have serious implications in the ongoing battle against the Dark Lord.

Most students also suspected his rumoured near death experience was the reason for his increased affability; Hermione had expected the girl, Jane, was the reason for the change. Now it was confirmed, she could see it in his eyes, the girl had stolen his heart when she had saved his life.

"I am grateful to Jane for what she did for me. So grateful, in fact, that I felt compelled to bring her with me when I returned here. I want her life to be a little easier; I want her to have the opportunities she deserves. That is where you come in. I want you to teach her and I want you to be her friend. I will admit to some initial reluctance to accept you in this role, however I have now realised that you are the best person for the job, and I am willing to put aside any animosity I feel towards you for being a Gryffindor if you are willing to do the same for any past perceived mistreatment you have received from me. I don't want her to witness any animosity between us that would require her to choose between us. Jane knows nothing of house rivalry, it would be preferable to keep it that way, although I personally doubt that will be possible."

Perceived mistreatment! That was a bit rich coming from Snape. There was nothing perceived about his mistreatment of non-Slytherin students. Hermione had to agree about keeping rivalries and animosity between them to a minimum though. Although she too doubted it would be possible, she would try her best. "Yes Professor, I agree."

"Thought you might." He looked at the Headmaster. "If you will excuse us Headmaster, I think we should go now. Jane was quite excited when I told her about Hermione's visit."

Dumbledore nodded. "Off you go then. Do try not to kill each other."

Snape huffed and stalked to the door. He held it open. "Well Miss Granger, are you coming or not?"

Hermione jumped to her feet and moved hastily to the door, aware that Snape's pleasant disposition was only a thin veneer that wouldn't withstand too much testing.

Jane looked up expectantly when she heard the door open. Seeing Severus, she smiled cheerfully. He smiled in return. Hermione found it somewhat frightening. She was even more surprised when Snape moved quickly to the side of the bed and put his arms around the girl. For that brief moment, Hermione thought he actually looked at peace. It surprised her that would display such vulnerability to a child, especially when a student was present. Wonders would never cease.

"Jane," Snape's normally caustic voice was soft and tender, "I have brought someone to meet you. This is Hermione Granger."

Hermione moved forward and smiled.

"Hello Miss Granger," Jane greeted in a small, slightly cautious voice.

"Hello Jane." Hermione smiled again. "Call me Hermione."

Jane looked at Hermione and decided she looked okay. "Okay Hermione. Call me Jane." Hermione snorted inelegantly, but she couldn't help herself. Now she knew where Snape had gained his sense of humour. "Severus tells me you are very smart and you are going to teach me to read and write."

"I will try," Hermione answered, surprised at the Jane's use of Snape's first name.

"Severus says you never just try, you always succeed."

Hermione blushed at the second-hand complement, and smiled at Snape. "Thank you Professor."

Snape responded with a small nod. "Don't prove me wrong and I may just find my way to complement you again Miss Granger." He bent and kissed Jane on the head. "I will leave you two now. Don't over do it young lady or you will be in trouble," he warned lightly as he stood.

"No Severus, I won't. I promise. Thank you for bringing Hermione."

Snape was smiling as he walked to the door. "A brief word if I may Miss Granger."

Following him to the door she waited expectantly. "Yes Professor?"

"I trust you can keep your mouth closed about what you have seen here," he hissed, quietly enough that Jane wouldn't hear. "If I find my reputation is tarnished in any way what so ever, you will regret your decision to participate in Jane's education. Do you understand me?"

Understanding EXACTLY what he meant, but seriously doubting anyone truly understood him, Hermione nodded. "Yes Professor, I understand. You can trust me."

"I already am Miss Granger, and I certainly hope my trust isn't misplaced. Come and see me after class tomorrow and we shall discuss your plans for my young friend."

"Yes Professor."

Snape turned to the door and pushed it open. "Thank you Miss Granger, things will get easier." His words were so quiet, that Hermione almost missed them. Snape left the hospital wing. Hermione returned to Jane and spent the afternoon getting to know this surprising new addition to the Hogwarts family.

*****

Jane quickly recovered enough to escape the hospital wing, a situation that pleased both her and Snape. It was agreed that she would be moved to a room in his dungeon quarters that he had previously been using as a study. He had refurnished it for her whilst she had been ill.

In an effort not to overwhelm his young guest the room had been furnished simply. There was a bed, some drawers, a wardrobe and a table and some chairs for those times she wished to be alone. There were a few personal items, toiletries and such, which had been chosen by Hermione.

Decorating had initially been a problem. He had no idea what young girls liked, he didn't even know if Jane would like what other girls liked, given her background, but he had to start somewhere. He asked Hermione for her assistance and the clever witch had suggested a simple scheme of white, blue and lemon. Snape was quietly pleased with the way the room looked. He hoped Jane would like it too.

He had arranged for some clothes to be provided as well. Knowing even less about what she would like to wear, than he did about picking colours for a girl's room, Hermione had had a hand in clothing selection as well. In general, the wardrobe was filled with clothing similar to that which she had worn upon her arrival, rather than the more formal style of clothing worn by the students. This time, however, it was clean and in good condition. He would provide her with alternative, more suitable clothing, later if she desired it.

He was almost as excited by her impending arrival as she was.

Making his way to the hospital wing to pick Jane up, Hermione ran up to him. "Professor Snape, is it true Jane is getting out of the hospital wing today?"

Looking around to be sure he wasn't caught smiling at the girl, he saw that her friends were nowhere to be seen. "Yes Miss Granger, it is true that Jane will be leaving the hospital wing today." He smiled. "I expect you would like to join me, I am going to get her now," he offered.

Wishing to go with the Potions Master more than anything else, Hermione realised that thrusting herself upon Jane and Snape during their first hours alone together at Hogwarts would be a mistake. They really would need some time together to grow accustomed to the new situation, and it was obvious that Snape desperately wanted some time alone with the girl who had had such a significant influence on him. Somewhat reluctantly she shook her head. "No thank you Professor. I am on my way to the library to complete my potions essay. Thanks all the same."

Snape looked appreciatively at the young Gryffindor, grateful she was able to contain her own excitement at Jane's recovery and impending escape from the hospital wing. He knew perfectly well that Hermione would already have finished the essay he had set a week before, at least he would have been surprised if she hadn't. He appreciated her decision not to intrude more than he was willing to admit. "As you wish Miss Granger." He nodded. "Thank you."

Hermione smiled at him. "That's okay Professor. I won't hold you up any longer. Just tell me in class when you think Jane will be ready to commence lessons."

Snape nodded his agreement and continued to the hospital wing.

*****

When Snape arrived, Jane was sitting on the edge of the bed waiting excitedly. She smiled at him.

He smiled in return. "Ready."

Jane nodded.

Madam Pomfrey hurried over and busied herself checking the girl really was well enough to leave her care. She wasn't entirely sure that she was, but she could no longer contain the girl's desire to leave. She thought it might even be hindering her continued recovery. She sighed and straightened. "Well Severus, as you both insist that she must leave, I can find nothing to stop her from going now."

Jane looked so pleased that the nurse thought she might almost burst from happiness. The Potions Master reflected her enthusiasm with only a slight reduction in intensity. "Excellent." He looked at the nurse. "Relax Poppy, we aren't going to run away, I will bring her back if I become aware she is experiencing any problems."

"Oh, would that be the awareness you used when she collapsed in your rooms nearly a month ago?"

Snape growled, "Watch yourself Poppy. The circumstances were rather different then."

The witch looked at him, realising she had struck a nerve. "Forgive me Severus, that was uncalled for. I know you were quite unwell at the time yourself."

Snape nodded. "Are you sure you're ready Jane."

"Yes Severus."

"Really sure?"

"YES Severus."

Severus smiled and nodded at the girl's exasperation. "Let us go then." He moved to the door. Turning, he looked at the girl. "Well, come on."

Jane leapt up and ran to his side. "What are you waiting for?"

"Brat." He smiled amused at her cheek. She must have been feeling better.

*****

Well, or not, Jane was exhausted before she reached the dungeons. She felt tired and shaky but wasn't going to say anything to Snape. It wasn't until he turned to watch her following him that he realised how exhausted she had become after such a short walk. It worried him. Obviously she was still more ill than she was making out. "Silly girl. Why didn't you tell me you were feeling ill?"

"I am fine."

"Liar."

Jane looked crestfallen. "I'm sorry, I just don't want to go back."

Snape smiled at that. He understood her reluctance to be resubmitted to Pomfrey's overenthusiastic care, having been on the receiving end himself, on more than one occasion. "I won't take you back, but you have to promise me you will tell me if you are feeling ill alright?"

The girl nodded. "Severus?"

Snape looked at her. "Yes?"

"I'm feeling ill," she said quietly.

Snape laughed. "Surprise me." Moving quickly back to her, he swept her up into his arms and carried her the remainder of the way to his rooms. She did indeed surprise him - she was fast asleep upon arrival. He sat with her for a long time, holding her close, before taking her to her new room and laying her gently on the bed. "Sleep little one, pleasant dreams."

He closed the door gently, not wishing to disturb her.

*****

Dumbledore looked at the Potions Master. "How is the child Severus?"

"Not as well as she is making out," Snape admitted reluctantly.

"I see. Should she be back in the infirmary?"

"I expect so, but I doubt she would allow it."

"Stubbornness - what a surprise! Now I understand what you see in her." Dumbledore paused. "How do you intend to progress Severus? You can hardly keep her prisoner here in your rooms long term."

"I agree Headmaster. I was planning on having Jane join me during some of my quieter classes, as soon as she is really well enough. That should provide a gentle introduction to the students without being too overwhelming for her. It will also give the students some time to grow accustomed to her presence. I am sure she will be the subject of some fairly intense speculation, at least initially, no matter how I go about introducing her to them. Most students, I hope, will accept her as my guest without too many problems. Some, most likely students from my own house, will be somewhat less enthusiastic about her presence here."

"I am glad you appreciate that fact Severus. It worried me that you may not have realised the potential for disaster that the wrong approach may have had. I can assure you that you will have no problems with the staff or with the Board. I have already informed them of the situation. Problems will only arise if her presence causes discord amongst the students."

"Thank you Headmaster, for everything."

"It is a pleasure to be able to help you Severus. You ask for so little it is a joy when you do feel able to ask a favour of me." Dumbledore's smile was returned by the Potions Master. "I shall take my leave. Get some rest Severus, I have my suspicions that you are not as well as you are making out either."

"Yes Headmaster."

Dumbledore didn't know if Snape's response was in relation to his wellbeing or his own departure, although he suspected it might have been the former. "Goodnight Severus."

"Goodnight Headmaster."