A / N : Sorry if I haven't replied to reviews from the last chapter, I have only just got my internet back. Thanks for all the wonderful reviews! They really do brighten up my day. Enjoy!

-CHAPTER FOUR-

Consequences

Severus stormed out of his chambers and through the halls of the old castle searching for Minerva and Albus. They wanted proof of what happened; they would have it.

"Severus, what can we do for you?"

"Hermione showed me her memories of what those boys did to her."

"We need to see them Severus."

"I know Albus, but you need to do something to stop them from hurting her any more."

"She has her own rooms."

"That's not enough. She still walks the corridors on her own and has classes with them."

"Until I see the evidence, I cannot do anything Severus. I need for Hermione to show me what happened."

"She won't do that and you know it."

"Then there is nothing it can do. That is my final word on the matter."

Severus nodded stiffly and stormed out of the office back towards his chambers and Hermione.

"Severus," Hermione whispered when he came back into her bedroom. "Where did you go?"

"To speak to Albus."

"And what did the old coot have to say?"

"That there is nothing he can do about the boys unless you show him your memories."

Hermione shook her head and the tears started up again. "I can't do Severus. I can't."

"I know love, you don't have to," Severus soothed Hermione and held her as she cried once more.

As Severus held Hermione while she slept, he let his thoughts wander. He never opened up to anyone, not even after the war had finished had he talked to anyone like he did Hermione. He frowned when he realised that he was starting to fall for the young woman in his arms. Sighing, he slid down in the bed and shut his eyes, thinking of ways that he could help Hermione, the first one that popped into his head was to talk to the two people that were hurting her so much.

~o~o~

"Mr Weasley, Mr Potter stay behind after class," Severus growled.

"Can I go to the lab please Sir?"

"Of course, Miss Granger." Severus nodded as she passed and turned his attention to the lads in front of him.

"You wanted to speak to us, Professor?"

"Yes, Potter." Severus walked 'round the other side of the desk and leaned against it. "I want to know why you have been hurting Miss Granger."

"Who told you?" Ron spat.

"That is none of your business. Now why?"

"Because she wouldn't do what we wanted."

"She stuck with the both of you through every thing and you treat her like a house-elf." The boys nodded. "Be warned that if I find out you have hurt her again, you'll have me to deal with, and I won't just be talking." Both boys gulped and Severus smirked. "Out, now!"

Harry and Ron quickly ran from the room, slamming the door behind them.

Hermione slowly came from the back door and stood in front of Severus. "What did you say to them?"

"Let's just say that they won't be hurting you any time soon." Severus smiled and brought Hermione into a hug. "I want you to promise me that you will come straight to me, no matter the time if they so much as bush past you."

"I promise Sev." Hermione put her arms around his waist and closed her eyes. "Thanks Sev."

"Whatever for?"

"The hug."

"Any time love."

Hermione pulled back a little. "Why do you keep calling me that?"

"I'm not sure, it just slips. I'll stop."

"No, don't; I like it." Hermione smiled, kissed Severus' cheek and walked back to the private lab to carry on with brewing her potion.

~o~o~

Once again, Hermione found herself in the hospital wing, this time though, she had no idea why she was there or how she got there. All she knew was that her head hurt and someone was holding her hand.

"Hermione," Severus whispered.

"Severus?"

"It's me love. How're you feeling?"

"My head hurts. How did I get here? What happened?"

"I brought you here when I found you unconscious and bleeding in an empty classroom. I can only guess that Potter and Weasley hurt you again." A tear slid down Hermione's cheek. "Don't cry love, I'm here." Severus kissed her forehead and held her close as she started to cry.

"Hermione, how are you?" Minerva asked as she came bustling in with Albus as her heels.

"Aching."

"Miss Granger, I want you to stay with Severus at all times. I'll have your work sent to you and if you need any help, contact the Professor and they will come to you and give you a private lesson."

"Okay," she whispered.

It was only a week before the summer holiday and the sudden realisation that she had no where to go dawned on her. And she started to sob.

"What is it love?"

"I've got no where to stay over the summer," she whispered.

"You can stay with me, if you want," Severus whispered into her ear as he hugged her.

"I'd like that," she whispered back and kissed his cheek.

To Be Continued ...