Sacred Ground

.

"We have to go Severus."

"Why?"

She did not take her eyes off the window, "They've found us."

He stirred from his bed to see the werewolf attached to the window by his claws snarling at them howling their position to his brethren. Severus flung the cover from his body taking point motioning to Hermione to pack their things.

"Hermione we must go to hallowed ground."

"Not all churches have ground blessed by vicars Severus!"

"The one we're going to is."

"And where is that? The Vatican?"

"Biertan, a small village in Romania."

"But aren't vampires especially in that area?"

"What other choice do we have? But it will be difficult."

"How so." She finished packing as a third werewolf became visible through the window.

"The hallowed ground not only repels werewolves and vampires, but interrupts our flow of magic as well."

"Then why?"

"We'll be safest there. It will give us much needed time to plan and heal."

"What if the church is occupied?"

"It's not, at least not for this story. I did research on the internet while you were bathing yesterday. But that's not half the danger."

"What do you mean?"

"The whole village has a barrier around it that prevents black magic. Werewolves and vampires excluded."

"We're going to die."

"What other choice do we have? Die here or try there."

Grabbing his hand, "Try."

They apparated landing in a forest that would envy the one outside of Hogwarts.

"I can barely see your face." Hermione said. If anything she could hear the beating of her own heart.

Lighting the tip of his wand he lead her in the direction of the church. Five miles separated them from there. Less than a mile in they heard the snap of a twig.

"Stay close." Severus pulled her to him as his eyes scanned the area. He may not need crutches anymore, but his limp still slowed him down quite a bit. After hearing three more snaps he summoned a spell that resembled the sun exploding.

As the rogue vampires screeched they ran with the town finally coming into view. Said town remained mostly in ruins. Gates half hanging ajar, roofs aloof, weeds growing in the street, glass shattered, strewn fences, rusted wrought iron pieces, and human bones made up the town. The fortified church on the other hand stood proud, undamaged, a beacon in the darkness.

[howl noise]

"Damn."

"Come on Severus we're close!" As she said this she felt pain enter her back. A vampire had caught her and was now digging his filthy nails into her back. As she cried out his name a werewolf appeared ripping the vampire from Hermione.

Severus pulled her to her feet. He would tend to her wounds later. For now they needed to make it to the church and he was not sure that they were going to make it. The werewolves were present meaning that Greyback couldn't be that far behind. The only advantage they had since their wands were now useless had been that werewolves and vampires had a rivalry dating back to the beginning of time.

"You are the faster Hermione. Run."

"Not without you!"

"Stop being self-sacrificing! One of us must live."

"But."

"Go!"

As she sped ahead Severus ran forward until he was tackled to the ground by Greyback.

"Found you."

"Get off of me!"

"No traitor. You will pay!"

"Get off me now!"

"No. I don't think I will." Greyback licked his face, "You taste delicious. Perhaps master will let me have you once he is finished." Severus tried to kick back, "Don't fuss," Greyback smiled, "Finally I can return to London. And do you want to know what my reward is?"

"Please tell me." Severus continued to struggle reaching for the powdered silver he hid in his left boot.

"When I return you to master I get your bitch to fuck. And do you want to know what I am going to do to her?"

"No and you won't either!" He flung the dust in the werewolves face.

Hermione refused to simply leave. She did her best to try to conjure a weapon or imperious a creature of the night, but her magic was waning. Looking between sanctuary and him she ran to it a plan forming in her mind.

Using a simple levitation spell she lifted the hallowed ground from a distance, flinging it to their enemies. Smelling the dirt the werewolves fled followed closely by the vampires leaving Severus forgotten on the ground.

"Are you hurt?"

"I will survive." She helped him up. Briskly they made their way to the church both knowing that their magic would not be useful here.

"First," he removed himself from her in favor of a pew, "We should search for food. We have limited supplies as is. Next shelter and lastly we should salvage anything we can use starting with the candles."

"Ok," she agreed, "I'll look for sustenance you look for a place to stay."

An hour later he had found a small room under the belfry. It was high up, with one big window that thankfully came with shutters. More searching provided old robes, sheets, and carpets they could use for lodging. He also bought up numerous amounts of candles that to his delight were not too far away from a large pile of matches.

"All I could find was old herbs, hard pasta, and honey. There are also a few rusted cans of stuff down there too." She placed her findings on the table.

"It will have to do for now," he stoked the tiny fireplace, "This is all I could do. There is also no running water, but I can see a well from the window over there."

"Then we will search for it on the morrow." Lying heavily on cob web filled carpets, "You did check these for spiders right?"

"Why would I do a silly thing like that?" He teased sitting beside her.

Giving the bedding a once over she reached her hand into her back pack, "We have only a few bottles of water, pickles, and other canned foods that we brought here complete with a can opener."

"And I have a map and writing utensils. Today we should relax. Recuperate our strength. Tomorrow we need to devise a plan."

"Great," she held out two cans, "Do you want beans or fruit?"

.

So I bet you're wondering how Greyback knew that they would be there huh? Guess you'll just have to find out later