Chapter 10-A Night of Tears and Heal-Ups

After Hermione woke up,Severus would notleave herside. Not only did he want to make sure that her wounds were completely healed, but he wanted her close to him so that it wouldn't happen again.

"Severus, why'd Malfoy want to rape me? There are three hundred other girls at this school. Why'd he choose me?" Hermione asked one night a week after she woke up. Severus sighed, trying hard not to remember the sight of her battered body.

"Because, love, you are the one who hates him the most. Being what you are and him being what he is, it was only natural," Severus turned his head away. He hated the way that sounded, but it was the truth. Hermione sighed, tears springing to her eyes. She brought her legs up to her chest, hugging her legs, and then started to sob into her knees. Severus looked up at her, his heart aching to relieve her pain. He brought her close to him and let her sob on his chest.

The next night, Severus agreed to let her out of his chambers and walk the school (Severus being, of course, close to her). She walked to the Great Hall, where supper was being held, but deciding she wasn't hungry, she walked up the grand staircase, hesitating to go any where near the Head Quarters. She looked over at Severus and he nodded, holding his arm out to her. She ran to him, not even daring to look back at the picture frame shielding the Head Quarters from view.

Severus, of course, had told the Head Master what had happened to Hermione and almost every teacher was informed, but not to do anything to Malfoy to make him suspicious. The Head Master agreed to letting Hermione stay in Severus's Quarters until, at least, they could run Malfoy out of the school (though the Head Master said this in a very peculiar manner, as if he was excited that Hermione was staying the Severus's Quarters). That same night that Hermione had wandered around the school, she laid in Severus's bed, Severus on the couch reading an enormous book on famed witches and wizards over the past five hundred years. Hermione's head was propped up on her hand and she studied Severus. She loved him and she knew it. She laid down and faced the wall, a tear falling silently down her cheek. There were so many emotions flowing throughout her body and heart that it hurt. She was mad and frightened at what Malfoy did. What if she got pregnant because of it? That was his intent, wasn't it? And Severus, would Severus accept her love and the baby that Malfoy probably gave her. She let out a sob and covered her mouth immediately, hoping Severus didn't hear. After a few minutes, she didn't hear any movement, so he must not have, she thought. Suddenly, the blankets behind her lifted up and a body climbed in to the bed next to her. She felt a strong arm around her waist. She smiled and unintentionally scooted closer towards him. She could hear his slow and steady breathing next to her ear and she shivered, not intentionally. She felt goose bumps rise on her arms as she turned her head to look at him.

"Why were you crying, Hermione?" Severus asked in a deep whisper. Hermione rolled over to face him, there bodies only centimeters away.

"I was just thinking," Hermione said. Severus stared at her.

"About what, love?" Hermione smiled. She loved his pet name for her.

"Just the past week. You – Malfoy," Hermione let another tear streak down her face. Severus wiped it away.

"Malfoy will get his, I swear that to you, Hermione," Severus said. Hermione let a few more tears roll down her pretty face.

"And I'm afraid Malfoy will get what he wants," Hermione said, placing a hand on her stomach. Severus looked down at her hand and then back up at Hermione, a frightened look in his eyes.

"You're pregnant, Hermione?" Severus asked. Hermione shrugged her shoulders.

"I don't know, Severus, but it certainly is a possibility. That's what he raped me for. The heir to Voldemort's throne is to be born from me," Hermione said. Severus lowered his eyes to look at her hand again.

"But - but Hermione, if you are, it could be mine, too," Severus said, looking back up at her. Realization gleamed in Hermione's eyes. That was true! They made love before Malfoy ever got to her! Hermione smiled, another tear streaking down her face.

"If I am, I hope it's yours," Hermione said. Severus smiled at her and rolled on top of her, a mysterious look in his eyes. He captured her lips with his. She wrapped her legs around his back, pulling him down on her. He left her mouth and slowly went to her neck, kissing every inch of soft skin he could find. His hands fumbled underneath her shirt and she moaned.

"Make love to me, Severus," Hermione whispered in his ear. He stopped kissing her and looked at her.

"Okay," He replied, smiling, but took it slow. He didn't want to hurt her like Malfoy had.

A/N: Hi everyone! Okay, this wasn't much longer than chapter 9, but it works, ya know? Anyway, how'd you all like it? Just a little fluff between Severus and Hermione. The next couple of chapters will be getting in to the action (sort of). I'll give you a couple of hints for the next chapter:
Hint #1: They'll find out if Hermione's pregnant or not. Hint #2: Severus wants to beat Malfoy senseless (even more now than he ever has before). That's all for now! Please review!