VIII.

Hermione gaped at the narrow-eyed stare of the Healer. “I-It can’t be,” she stammered.

Healer Pickering pursed his lips. “I’m afraid it is.”

“Is that even possible?”

Hermione watched in dismay as he consulted his chart again, before frowning thoughtfully. “I believe it is. Mr. Snape’s latent magic has mildly altered your memory. The magical signature surrounding you indicates that he cast the spell.”

“Unknowingly?” She was almost afraid to ask.

The Healer smiled kindly. “Yes, Miss Granger. Unknowingly.”

Her shoulders sagged in relief.

It all made sense: the inexplicable feeling that she was forgetting to ask him something. It had been Severus all along.

Now, only one question remained.

Why would he want her to forget about the progress of his treatment?

--

AN: I'll take this moment to thank everyone for their wonderful reviews and kind comments. If I haven't been able to respond, I apologise deeply! RL/obligations have been very demanding. Updates will continue to be slow as I'm returning to college as a mature student this year. I'm hoping to fast-track myself into university to read Japanese. Wish me luck! ^^