Unexpected Fate (Severus Snape x Reader)

𝟐𝟖 - 𝓕𝓮𝓪𝓻

"Does it hurt here?" Madam Pomfrey  asks, pointing gently at my swollen ankle.

I wince and nod. "Yes, it does."

Madam Pomfrey frowns and begins her examination with practiced efficiency, as I sit on the bed at the hospital wing, my leg elevated and supported by a cushion. She probes my ankle carefully, her expression growing more serious as she assesses the injury. "You've twisted it quite badly. This will need more than just a simple spell to heal."

She waves her wand, murmuring incantations as she works. The pain starts to ebb, though it is far from completely gone. I sigh in relief as the swelling begins to go down slightly.

"Just a moment," Madam Pomfrey says as she prepares a more potent potion. She administers it to me, and I feel the immediate soothing effects. "This should ease the pain and help with the healing. Try not to move around too much."

I nod gratefully, feeling the tension in my leg slowly release. As Madam Pomfrey continues her work, the door opens again, and Dumbledore enters the room, his face etched with concern.

"I heard there was an accident," he says softly, his eyes full of worry as he approaches the bed. "What happened?"

I attempt a weak smile, though it feels more like a grimace. "I lost track of time while walking late at night and ended up twisting my ankle. Severus found me and helped me back here."

Dumbledore's expression shifts from concern to a thoughtful frown. "Severus was quite distressed last night when he could not locate you. He was searching the grounds after you had left his presence."

I glance at Dumbledore, surprised. "He was looking for me? I didn't realize."

"Indeed," Dumbledore confirms, nodding. "He was quite worried, which is not characteristic of him."

Before I can respond, Madam Pomfrey finishes her examination. She looks at me, her expression softening slightly. "You should rest now. The potion will help with the healing, but you need to keep your weight off the ankle as much as possible."

Albus watches as Madam Pomfrey prepares to leave. "Will you need anything else?" he asks gently.

I shake my head. "No, I think I'm alright for now. Thank you, Albus."

Dumbledore nods and turns to leave but pauses at the door. "Severus is not one to easily show concern. His actions speak volumes. You should take care of yourself."

With a final reassuring smile, Dumbledore exits the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the lingering warmth of the potion's effects. I reflect on the unexpected turn of events—Severus's unusual concern, and Dumbledore's insight into it.

It isn't long before Minerva McGonagall enters the hospital wing, her usual stern expression softened by concern. She approaches my bed with a sense of purpose.

"How are you feeling?" she asks, her voice carrying a blend of worry and practicality.

I manage a faint smile, though the pain in my ankle still lingers. "Better, thanks to Madam Pomfrey. The potion has helped quite a bit."

Minerva nods, taking a seat beside the bed. "I wanted to come and offer my assistance. With the end-of-year activities approaching, I can cover your classes for the next days. It would be no trouble at all."

I appreciate the offer and nod. "Thank you, Minerva. That would be a great help. But honestly, I believe I might be able to manage a class tomorrow. It's just a twisted ankle, after all."

Minerva raises an eyebrow, her expression shifting to one of skepticism. "Don't be too hasty. It's important to give yourself proper time to recover. I'd prefer you took it easy, especially with the end-of-year celebrations coming up. We need you at your best."