Shades of Light

[SEVERUS TOBIAS SNAPE]

Severus still could not believe the sheer stupidity that had surrounded him in the past week and a half since the full moon. With Lucas in a coma, there was not a soul to which he could turn and rely when he found himself completely on the verge of madness. Never in his career had he come so close to casting an Unforgivable at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as he did when he’d realized what that fool apprentice had done. Albus had insisted that he calm himself after he had been escorted out, but the young potions master had found himself well beyond reason by then.

He could have killed her. That fool of a man could have killed Hermione Granger in his misguided attempt to ease her pain. As it was, her vital signs had gone perilously low and though she seemed likely to recover well enough now, Severus still could not shake the fear that she remained in the danger zone. That he had gone as far as to accuse the man of taking a deliberate attempt at the child’s life was likely the final straw for Albus – though it really could have been the fact Severus had actually drawn his wand at that point.

Even now, Severus could not honestly say what he had planned to curse the idiot with, but he did not hesitate to admit that causing the worthless apprentice pain would have been pleasurable then. As it was, the fact that he had quit his job and would never again endanger the lives of Hogwarts students was blessing enough for Severus.

Time enough had passed, and Hogwarts was now under martial law. Severus completed his daily classes and rather than attend to dinner, he had gone up to the Gryffindor Tower to retrieve the notes taken for Miss Granger, knowing she had been fretting about falling behind in her classes and wishing to keep her as relaxed as possible. She finally had a competent healer on her case – one Evan Love, whom Severus remembered having personally taught at Hogwarts during the earliest period of his career – and he had no intentions of letting her run the good man off with her constant fretting.

As it was, it appeared she had managed to do so all the same, considering the fact Severus found himself almost running into the petit blond on his way back down from the tower. Despite himself, Severus could not help but be somewhat amused. “I take it she appealed to you for these?” He inquired, holding up the much coveted class notes for the ever studious child who was, for the time being, beneath their combined wings.

[Deleted]

Evan had been one of the first to volunteer to help attend to the sick and injured Hogwarts students. He had always found it easier to be around those younger than him. It was a little less daunting than those that were older. So he had had little problem returning to the school to help.

What he hadn’t been expecting was to find himself faced with quite a bit of a conundrum. His former Professor Severus Snape had seemed to become even colder in the past years. Or at least that is what everyone told him. He had believed it at first too, what with the way he had nearly harmed an apprentice. It wasn’t until later when Evan had all the facts gathered that he drew a bit of a different conclusion.

The apprentice had been in the wrong, so much so that it made the little healer’s teeth grate. While many saw it as the Professor acting out of turn, Evan didn’t think it was something quite so… simple. He had observed before drawing his own conclusion which in the end had been just as rose colored as the rest.

He fully believed that Professor Snape had been in his own way protecting the young Miss Granger. It seemed more to Evan, almost like a father’s rage at their child being close to death. He couldn’t imagine any parent that wouldn’t have reacted the same way. Evan had never been one to judge, not really, and he fully believed the potions expert was kinder than he generally let on.

It was this that had prompted Evan to take on the student as a personal patient. He wanted to help, in any way he could. A part of him could tell that Severus Snape was a good man. He deserved to know that the person he cared for would be well taken care of even if he wasn’t allowed into the medical wing.

Miss Granger had proven to be quite a handful as well. Not that she was an overly bad patient, just very studious. She in a way reminded him of himself when he had been her age. So it was that when she asked for her notes once more Evan had personally taken his leave to go and get them.

He had been in a bit of a tizzy all day, rushing about to get things finished. The nervous energy he felt seemed to have built up instead of dissipating after a long day’s work. Thus he wasn’t exactly paying attention as he sped up the stairs with due haste. This of course was a mistake because Hogwarts was nothing if not a big school full of lots of people. He nearly ran the poor potions professor over in his haste.

“Ah!” Was the first word out of his mouth before he shook his head mildly. “Yes, she was asking for them once more.” Evan stated shifting slightly his voice painfully soft. “Since no one had seen fit to get them for her yet, I figured I could spare a few moments to do so.” He was looking at his feet as he spoke. His hands clasped behind his back, bangs falling in his face. “I’m sorry Professor, for almost running into you.” The last part almost squeaked out as he flushed behind his hair.

[SEVERUS TOBIAS SNAPE]

It appeared that the years away from Hogwarts had not made Evan Love any braver. He was as mildly spoken as Severus remembered, if not more so now. More than that, his painfully shy nature as a child seemed to have followed him into his adult years, which gave Severus cause to wonder just how it was the little Ravenclaw alumni managed to get on in the bustling lifestyle of a St. Mungo’s Healer.

“Perhaps we had best bring them down to her then,” Severus suggested. Then, knowing full well that Hermione would be horrified to think she put Evan out of his way for nothing, he calmly held her notes out to the young healer. “Here,” He stated, attempting to draw hi old student’s gaze from the floor and up to him at the very least. “She’ll rest easier thinking you ran into me on the way,” He explained. After a moment of hesitation, Severus determined that not only was nobody around to overhear, but that the likelihood of Evan repeating it was slim enough it was safe to add quietly, “She is a very conscientious child. It’ll upset her to think she fussed at you for nothing.”

Once Evan had taken the classwork from him, Severus took a moment to observe him. It had been quite a few years since this one graduated, but like many of the Ravenclaws from the very early years of his tenure, Evan was among those few students that the surly potions master retained some measure of fondness for. The war had waned on all of them, though Evan managed to maintain his soft nature by some odd miracle. Severus vaguely recalled the obituary heralding William’s death and wondered, vaguely, how Evan was faring under that with all of this happening as well.

“You seem to be holding it together,” Severus observed, making a motion as though to say he couldn’t tell for certain, but had felt it worth noting all the same. “Is being a Healer all you anticipated?” Severus recalled when the young Love had first discovered his ‘calling’ and began throwing himself into his studies with even more intent than before. There had been some touch and go points in his herbology course, but his dedication to the craft he wanted had been quite strong even then. Enough so to face up against his limitations and deftly push through. It had been rather admirable all told - though perhaps the only reason Severus really noticed was because of how well the boy did in Potions.

[Deleted]

Evan shifted as the other spoke, giving a soft nod. Yes, it would probably be best if they brought them down to her. He blinked slightly at the ‘here’ before looking up and taking the notes. His lashes fluttered slightly as if debating on if they should stay lowered. However they lifted as did his eyes at the quiet words. Evan held the notes to his chest and leveled the professor with a small smile.

“She is truly a joy to work with. Very polite and takes direction well.” He gave a bit of a wider smile here as he stepped to the side to allow Severus to walk past him, should he wish to. “It is nice to have someone that doesn’t fight you at every turn.” He stated brightly. It truly was a blessing to not have an ornery child that refused to take any of the medication given. Or one that threw a fit every time something hurt or didn’t go the way it should have.

He blinked slightly however at the next little bit. Holding it together well, should he not be? He vaguely wondered if Severus thought he had been hurt or something to that general effect. He hadn’t been, so he couldn’t think why the other would feel the need to comment. It was then that something else occurred to him entirely and he flinched. The first month after his father’s untimely passing had been the worst. He wasn’t sure what to do with all the sympathy that he had been shown. He rather liked being left in obscurity as one of the many healers at St. Mungos. With the passing of his father it had turned all eyes on him.

It hadn’t felt right to grieve in front of so many. So he had accepted the sympathy shown him with great care and grace. Once it had passed over, things had gotten better. He had given himself time to simply be sad for what he lost. It was strangely his patients that had seem him cry most often during that first month. He hadn’t wanted to upset his colleagues with his own sorrow but those that he tended to seemed more inclined to accept it. He wasn’t sure why he felt that way, like he was closer to them than those he worked with. He just hadn’t felt quite so guilty about his tears when working with a patient.

His father’s passing was still painful; he couldn’t imagine it would ever not be a painful topic. Time had healed the wound however, to a point that it wasn’t quite so fresh a wound. Still when he had seen how many needed him, the war had taken its toll on so many. He couldn’t let his own sorrow at his loss project itself here. He was having a hard enough time not bursting into tears at how sad everyone was. War really wasn’t a good time for Evan.

“I like to believe I am.” He whispered softly looking up at the other and offering a small smile. “It helps to think about how much I have to be happy about. So many others have it far worse and my energy would be better spent helping them. As opposed to falling apart myself.” He shook his head here. He couldn’t just fall apart, he simply couldn’t. There were too many people that needed help; he had to make sure he cared for them. That he was there for those that had nothing else left. It physically hurt him to think he would be so selfish as to not offer someone a chance at help. “So many people have it worse than me.”

Evan shook his head, his eyes having misted slightly at some point. He latched onto the last question as some form of distraction. “Oh, well… yes and no.” He stated pulling a smile onto his face as he glanced back up. He was a little shocked his Professor remembered him at all. “It’s a lot at first. So much is going on all the time that it makes it hard to not simply fall into the brisk manner so many healers have. You are always on the go, everyone flying around you.” He shook his head and wrinkled his nose.

“However, I truly enjoy it. Being able to help, to see smiles return to people’s faces. It’s really worth every ounce of hectic you have to put up with.” He gave a little nod here as if confirming what he had just said. “I always somehow thought it would be a bit of a calmer profession when I was younger.” Evan gave a small laugh at that and shook his head.

“Oh, um, Professor?” He queued softly his voice having fallen on softer tones again now that he wasn’t talking about his passion. Once he was sure he had the other’s attention he gave a tiny smile. “If you would like, I can bring by a report on Miss Granger’s recovery and anyone else you might want, later?” His tone was so painfully soft. There was no presumption there however, no accusations of any sort. Just a soft question that hinted at the fact he might believe Severus was worried and deserved something to ease that worry.

[SEVERUS TOBIAS SNAPE]

As Evan spoke of how pleasant a patient Hermione Granger was, Severus found himself thinking – not for the first time – about how much had changed between himself and the Gryffindor trio since the start of this term. Ever since Albus had confessed the truth of Harry’s role in the war, Severus had stood staunchly against the Headmaster’s ruling. It didn’t matter that the most logical side of himself understood what the man had explained – he had sworn an oath to protect Lily’s son and he fully intended to stand by his word.

As a result of taking the three children under his wing, Severus had been forced to see them differently. Harry was brazen and foolhardy not because he believed himself above the law, but because he genuinely had no self-preservation instincts. This observation was not as scornful as most would believe it to be if he ever spoke of it; it was, in fact, very worrisome. Harry deeply valued those around him but was utterly incapable of seeing the worth within himself, a warning sign that Severus would have noted years ago had he allowed himself to look at Harry as Lily’s child rather than the spitting image of James Potter. Though the realization was late in coming, Severus fully intended to do something about it.

As for Ron Weasley, it turned out the boy wasn’t nearly as insufferable as he so often appeared to be. The child was still not nearly loyal enough of a friend as far as Severus was concerned – in many ways, the youngest Weasley boy was about as deep as ones average puddle, but he at least had the nerve to admit his wrongs and attempt to mend his bridges when he burned them. He had no trouble speaking the best of Harry when they were getting on – without much jealousy either – so there was that.

It was, admittedly, Hermione Granger who had come as the biggest surprise to Severus. The insufferable know it all was in fact a deeply humble girl who didn’t think nearly as highly of herself as those around her did. In fact, convincing her that she was just as important as her friends had actually proved a rather daunting task. Not only this, but the girl was also exceptionally intuitive and had the habit of asking the questions nobody else dared to – or in certain cases, cared to. The brilliant young Gryffindor carried more secrets than she had any right to know, but her loyalty was painfully steadfast all the same. It was this – her incredible sense of loyalty to a Professor who had been a nightmare to her for six years – that had caused Severus to become far more protective of the young lioness than was perhaps proper. This had shown itself most profoundly when she had nearly been killed by that fool apprentice; Severus had reacted with as much intensity as though she had been his own godson. After he had calmed, Severus had forced himself to reflect on what he had been avoiding thinking on for some time now.

In but a couple of months, Severus would soon be bound by his oaths to murder Albus Dumbledore. When that occurred, everything would change. He would be forced into hiding and exile, which would not be so bad were it not for what he would be leaving behind. The three cubs had come to trust him, more than was at all wise. He would be leaving them devastated – unless he found some way to warn them. How, he knew not – though if Lucas would wake up from his damn coma, perhaps they could come up with something. Regardless the fact remained that Severus would kill the Headmaster and he would be forced to leave the school, which meant he absolutely had to ensure the three were as ready as they could be. Which started, for now, at getting Granger out of the Hospital Wing and back on her own two feet.

“She fusses more for others than she does for herself,” Severus agreed easily, ignoring the way his mind calmly reflected upon how eerily similar to Harry she was in that regard. “I am glad to know she has not caused you any trouble.” Severus knew before he spoke how his words would sound. He took responsibility for Granger despite the fact she was not of his house, much like a parent would. Severus had concluded that after his display in the hospital wing, there would be no denying he had taken her under wing, so the comment did feel warranted.

Unlike his earlier one in regards to Evan’s state of being it seemed. The subject was still a sore one, which Severus could understand better than most. To this day he still refused to speak of his mother, simply because to do so brought the memory of her too close to the surface to bear. Nearly twenty years later and his mother’s death still rattled him – so of course he could understand that Evan was far from alright but a year after the loss of his father.

To make up for bringing such discomfort forward, Severus afforded Evan a small smile as he spoke of how he coped. “An efficient way of looking at things,” The potions master mused mildly, then, “Though I for one do not consider pain to be a comparative thing.” It was the closest he would bring himself to stating that Evan should remember to look after himself from time to time as well.

As Evan spoke of his role as a healer, Severus found himself gently pleased to note that at least some of the boyhood shyness had indeed faded with time. He spoke with a unique energy when it came to healing, just as he had back then – though with more intent now. Somehow, Severus was not at all surprised to learn that Evan had failed to pick up the brisker form of bedside manner.

“Then it appears that you have truly found your calling Mister Love,” Severus stated, blinking mildly as he mused for what had to be the millionth time since Evan had first been his student at how unfortunate that surname really was. It appeared the assessment was not far off, considering Evan fast fell back into softer tones when discussing things that were distanced from the work he felt so passionate about – though Severus was surprised to find the inquiry related.

The head of Slytherin was very quiet for a moment, realizing that he was on the threshold of something. By all rights, a report on Hermione Granger’s recovery would go to her next of kin – to a parent. However, her parents were no longer in the picture and as she was seventeen now, she was considered emancipated. Minerva could request the report, though Severus knew that the lion tamer would not do so, simply because she would not deem it necessary. She would leave matters to the healers as was appropriate. To take Evan up on this offer would be deliberately crossing a line, and personally accepting a role that was not by rights his own to take. He was not Granger’s legal guardian – though, he supposed, as her professor and the one who had been nearest her throughout this turbulent term, he very well could be.

The idea of another error like the last occurring was also a high concern in his mind, one that Severus could not allow himself to overlook or miss. Keeping fully updated on her progress with the aid of her healer would ensure him greater access to preventative measures in the event something took a turn for the worse. Even as he thought this through, Severus heard himself saying softly, “I would appreciate that, if you would be so kind. Miss Granger and Professor Mulciber would be the two who I would require reports on.” Lucas Severus barely needed to think on; they were kin, so that was easy enough to accept without thought or question. “Thank you,” He added, for once seeing reason to show his civil manners did, in fact, exist.

[Deleted]

Evan pranced along lightly beside the other. He couldn’t help but give a little bit of a brighter smile at the little one offered him. A smile, now there was something that the master of potions should do more often. Evan would have to endeavor to get him to smile more often.

“No, I suppose it isn’t.” He said shaking his head. He wrinkled his nose slightly before shaking his head. He had the strangest sensation that Severus was trying to get him to look out for himself. To show sympathy without doing so in such a brazenly open manner as most did. It was a refreshing change of pace for Evan and one he could cope with much better. “Anyway, no Miss Granger has been perfect company.” He stated reassuring the fretful almost father.

“Oh goodness, please call me Evan or Cole if you prefer. Anything but Mister Love.” Evan stated rather suddenly wrinkling his nose. His father was mister Love; his brother’s were little mister Loves. He was Evan, being a Mr. Love just didn’t feel right to him. It made him feel old and out of sorts all at once. He couldn’t imagine people calling him Mr. Love, though they often did at work. He had taken to introducing himself as Evan, just Evan.

“But yes, I like to believe it’s where I am supposed to be.” He stated softly, looking back up at the other once more. He wasn’t sure why people feared this man, or precisely why he was thought ill of. He found Severus Snape to be of an amiable disposition with a soft core that was generally hidden. Just because Severus was sharp, didn’t mean he wasn’t kind.

“It’s no problem; shall I bring them by your office later?” Evan asked and once he got the affirmative he nodded. They had reached the medical wing by then, causing Evan to smile softly. “I will bring them by as soon as I can Professor.” He said softly before gently excusing himself and slipping into the medical wing to pass off the notes to Miss Granger.

He went about the rest of his duties, tending to everyone with great care. He paid special attention to Miss Granger and Professor Mulciber for he planned on writing up the reports himself. He didn’t want a single thing to be left out. A full report or nothing, he didn’t believe in doing things half assed. Especially not when it was something so important; medical reports were very important.

Evan retired to his room, not even bothering to grab food on his way. He instead set about instantly writing two full reports on each patient. He as well transcribed over several notes that other healers had made till it was legible for a normal person. Once he had this finished he gently pushed himself to his feet and started out towards the dungeons where Professor Snape’s office would be. He walked carefully and with a tired grace down the hallways. His hair was tossed into a messy bun on his head, his eyes dropped slightly and his motions were slow. It was clear all the nervous energy he had had earlier had dissipated.

He was walking along when he realized something rather shocking. He couldn’t exactly remember where the good Professor’s office was. Just that it was, indeed, down here somewhere. He hadn’t been in Slytherin, and was thus not quite as familiar with the dungeon area. Add on to that it had been quite a few years since he had been here and it was not a wonder he was mildly lost. He squirmed for a few moments as he stood in the hallway. There weren’t many people around currently and at his precise location there was no one. He could ask for directions of course should he actually come across someone. It was getting quite late however and he ought not to be out too terribly much longer.

He gave a soft sigh and pushed himself off the wall he had sagged against. He would just have to keep looking, he was sure it was close by anyway. So it wouldn’t take him that much longer to find it, of that he was sure.

What he didn’t know was that he had passed by it three times in his back and frothing. He just hadn’t bothered to actually look in the room. Sure as he was that the office was farther to the south; never mind the fact that he was heading north at this point. However on his fourth pass he stopped and glanced up. He blinked a few times before looking around himself. Had he really… this couldn’t possibly be. He gave a tired little sigh before walking over and knocking on the door itself even though it was open.

“Professor?” Evan called as he walked in, before spotting Snape at his desk. He walked a little sluggishly across the room before holding out the papers. “I brought-“ He was cut off by a wide yawn, lifting his hand to cover his mouth as he did so. “The reports.” He finished once he could close his mouth. He lifted his hand up to gently rub at his eye, trying to get rid of the wetness that had gathered there from the yawn.

[SEVERUS TOBIAS SNAPE]

Severus was genuinely grateful to be relieved from referring to the youthful healer as Mister Love. Inclining his head slightly, the professor stated solemnly, "You are free to address me as Severus, should you so wish," The Ravenclaw alumni had graduated eight years ago now - there was no need for him to address Severus by his title in casual conversation.

Severus remembered how he had gained his own experience with healing, all of which had been learned out of necessity in the first war. He knew enough to serve on the field, in an emergency scenario, but he couldn't imagine ever doing it professionally. It was a stress ridden career, far bloodier and messier than most. Though Severus had no fear of blood, he also had no wish to be surrounded by it. As such, he had a considerable well of respect for those who took to the much needed calling with such intensity as Evan did.

After arranging to meet with Evan later in order to gain the medical reports, Severus returned to the defense classroom to finish marking some papers. He had a fifth year class to follow, before he returned to the dungeons for a Slytherin-Gryffindor third year class that left one girl in near tears and Severus in a considerably bleak mood. He had not curbed his tongue with the little lioness and had no regrets on the points he took; once again a viciously swift intervention had spared a child the hospital wing and earned him the position of cruelest teacher in the school. He had capitalized on that role his entire career - only now, when he needed it most, did he finally feel the weight of it.

Retiring to his dungeon office, Severus kept the door open so that any of his serpents could come in should they have need of it. Slytherin had suffered casualties in the last attack, and though the elder students were bearing it well, the younger ones were having difficulty coping with things. As such, the first two times that poor Evan paced by, Severus had not even bothered to look up, used to how long it sometimes took a serpent to make up its mind about slinking in for help.

The third time, Severus did look up, blinking a bit as he only caught sight of wispy blond hair before once more Evan was out of sight. Thinking perhaps his godson was struggling with reaching out, Severus lowered his quill and prepared to go out and get the boy. Considering that those who had suffered most had been in Draco's personal circle, it went without saying the boy could use an ear. Just as Severus was about to get up, Evan peaked around the corner and revealed the true source of the blond he had seen pass by.

The man looked run ragged, causing Severus to shake his head slightly. Checking the time, he supposed it was rather late. All of the dorms were under lockdown at this time, aurors posted at the entrance ways to make certain students were not out after curfew, which meant it was time to close the door in any case.

"Come in, and close the door," Severus invited, waiting until Evan had done so before moving to a well hidden door at the back of his office. "I feel we could both use more relaxing accommodations," he explained, inviting Evan to his quarters and waving the man to the couch. The last thing they needed was to lose one of their decent healers to exhaustion.

Once the man was seated and had accepted Severus' offer of a drink, the potions master put his skills to good use and subtly spiked the nightcap with a sleeping agent. Assuming Evan was as tired as he looked, it would take him out in an hour, regardless of how much work he convinced himself he still had to do. The boy had always been diligent - however, Severus knew full well that working down to the bone would help nobody in the long run. It was unethical, but then, Severus had never really been one for ethics. Passing the drink over, Severus took a seat and sipped from his own as he waited to hear the reports as they were gone over.

[Deleted]

Evan had been mildly shocked to be invited into Severus’ rooms. He had however accepted the invitation with grace before following after the other. During his stay at Hogwarts, Evan had never been overly close to the professor. He had actually started out a touch fearful of the man before coming to realize that much of his anger was aimed at those that tried to kill themselves. Potions were deadly and fickle things, most who earned his ire were simply inept. Evan supposed that it was Severus way of keeping everyone safe, though he could have gone about it a bit better.

He seated himself on the couch, the reports in his lap, as he waited for the other. He was having a bit of a time keeping his eyes open but it was no real bother. He had gone on less sleep before and while he knew of course, that he should sleep, he didn’t really have the time. Of course cognitive function drastically decreased as one grew weary, he knew, but still he wasn’t so far gone that he couldn’t do some more paper work after this.

He took the drink with great care. “Thank you, Severus.” He whispered softly sipping at it, his eyes falling closed as he did so. The drink only served to remind him that he had skipped supper. He gave a soft sigh and shook his head. He would have to tend to that later.

“Here, I rewrote several notes from other healers. So that it would be more legible.” He stated softly as he pulled out Miss Granger’s form first. “That is why everything is in my handwriting.” The little healer explained, as he knew it would become apparent he had written it all. “This is a full medical work up on Miss Granger; this is the one for Professor Mulciber.” Placing a hand over the other one in his lap he smiled.

“I took a look at him myself today. Things seem positive, there is a good chance he will wake from whatever dream snares him.” Evan was trying to be positive to bring to light the good things because he knew how much horror was held within these pages. He wanted to give Severus hope, even though the reports were rather bleak in nature. Hope was a truly cherished thing and he couldn’t stand to think the potions expert should lose that.

“Miss Granger is on the fast track to recovery. She should be up and about in no time really. The mishap with her previous healer has not left any lasting effects that we can see as of right now.” He stated picking his words carefully before. “I do apologize for that as well. It was terribly foolish of him.” Evan whispered, and he truly felt it. He hadn’t been able to comprehend why the apprentice had decided that was the course of action that should be taken.

He passed off the reports then. “You can read over them, now and I shall wait. Thus if you have any questions I can answer them now.” He took another sip of his drink. “Or if you have any questions before you read the reports I can answer those as well.” He paused here for a moment before shaking his head. “I merely assumed it made sense to read, then question.” He shook his head, eyes having fallen closed again at some point. “Pardon me.” He whispered softly as he took another sip of his drink. He was awfully tired, more so than he remembered being but he forced himself into the land of wakefulness to wait for Severus’ questions. Which he assumed there would be some, there was always questions.

[SEVERUS TOBIAS SNAPE]

Inclining his head as Evan thanked him, Severus reached out and accepted Hermione's health report as the other explained how he had transcribed everything for him. He was tempted to point out that he marked first year essays and there was surely nothing that could be less legible than that, before deciding it would sound too ungrateful. Instead he focused on the content of the reports, his lips thinning the more he read through.

Setting the report on Lucas to the side, Severus read Hermione's through twice before looking up as Evan spoke about Lucas. Severus refused to accept that things would be anything less than fine on that front, though it was reassuring to hear that things were looking positive. Eyeing the thickness of his friend's file, Severus could only begin to imagine the plethora of old injuries that had been uncovered, not to mention the old notes from bygone days.

"Lucas is nothing short of a warrior," Severus stated firmly. "A simple coma will not take him from us, I can assure you." It wasn't hope, so much a grimly stated assurance of truth. Lucas had too much fight inside of him to simply lay there and let the war pass him by. He would wake up and when he did, he would get straight back into the thick of things, because that was what Lucas did. It was a quintessential part of who he was.

"miss Granger was no more affected by the venom than Mister Weasley was," Severus continued slowly, his tone turning dark. "Had it not been for that apprentice, she would have been out of the hospital wing by now. Though there is no lasting damage that can be told now, we will have no choice but to await the next full moon to see how fully true that assessment actually is." The girl wouldn't change, nor would Weasley, but the likelihood of them getting sick again was high. Especially for Granger - Weasley could possibly walk through it alright, but Granger might struggle more thanks to all of this, if the reports were accurate.

Sighing, Severus shook his head a bit. "The responsibility is not yours to bear, but thank you all the same." Someone at least ought to apologize for the fool. "It doesn't say here how her sleeping patterns are?" Severus commented mildly. "One would think that would be monitored, considering the amount of bedrest she has been forced to. Is she actually sleeping and allowing her body to recover, or is she laying awake letting her mind run wild and stressing herself? If it is the latter, do we have any sleeping agents or calming potions available that will assist her in resting without causing her more issue?" Severus paused, "I think perhaps herbal remedies as opposed to full potions might be best at this juncture, until the first month has past and her body has reassessed itself. Though I am no healer," Severus added with a slight incline of his head, "So there are likely things I am not taking into account, this would be my course of action with what I do know."

The man was clearly exhausted, and Severus was half tempted to order him off to bed promptly. However, in interest of keeping his drink tampering clear of suspicion, Severus chose to act as briskly as he usually did.

[Deleted]

Evan’s eyes had been closed for a good ten minutes when Severus’ question roused him slightly. He sat the now almost completely empty cup down before pushing himself into a sitting position. He was finding it more and more difficult to keep his eyes open. His posture had slouched considerably since he had sat down. Till he was almost curled up in the corner of the couch, his head pillowed on his hand on the arm of said couch.



However the question did manage to bring him around enough for him to push himself up. Till he was blinking rather owlishly at Severus; his attempt to find words to answer the question not going quite as well as he had hoped. “Hmmm, is it not in there?” He tilted his head to the side. “Curious.” He mused softly before shaking his head which only had him lifting his hand to stop the spinning.



“She has been resting well. We do not wish to introduce yet more to her system at this point. So we are trying desperately to get her to sleep on her own.” He paused here for a moment before smiling softly. “Thankfully with something for her to work on in her waking hours, it seems it is wearing her out enough for her to sleep. I think having her notes has helped to ease her. Which is part of the reason I came to retrieve them earlier today.” He gave a small yawn his hand coming up to cover his mouth.



“I’m hoping to avoid using anything at all. If I can manage to wear out her mind with study then she should be able to sleep easier.” He gave a tiny frown here. “Though I will keep in mind your thoughts on it. If this does not work then I will see what might can be done with simple herbs.” He stretched out lightly falling back against the pillows of the couch before shaking himself slightly.



“As for the Professor, that is good to hear.” He blinked once more at Severus before shaking his head. “It’s good that you… know he is going to be ok.” It was clear by this point that Evan wasn’t completely aware of what he was saying anymore. His eyes had fallen closed again and he seemed to be losing his battle against sleep.



“What was I saying?” He asked forcing one eye open as he curled himself up very much like a cat this time. “Right questions, you… anymore questions?” He asked his eyes falling closed once more as he tucked against the arm of the couch. He wasn’t much longer for this world at this rate. Though there was a part of him that couldn’t seem to bring forth the effort to care. This part was unfortunately the one that was winning at this moment.