Two days have passed, with many visitors. All the Weasley's have been in and out of Headquarters, along with Remus and Sirius. Remus stayed the first night I was awake, I'm fairly certain he feels guilty about me being captured. Minerva and Kingsley were able to get him to go back home to Tonks last night, reassuring Remus that Minerva and Poppy would both be staying the night to watch over me.
With all these house guests, Albus and the Malfoy's have to wait until late at night to visit me in this awful room. I've gotten so use to sleeping in a room with four other people, this room is so lonely with just me in it. I haven't seen Severus. Harry tells me that Severus has pretty much stayed in his lab. Albus and Lucius were able to speak with him a few times; Severus still seems to be blaming himself. Ron said he saw Severus standing in my doorway at three in the morning. Severus was just watching me, but wouldn't come inside the room. Of course, Poppy has been throwing many potions down my throat, so I usually don't realize I've taken a dreamless sleep potion until after I've already swallowed it.
It's about 10:00 PM now; I figure I can sneak out of my room unseen. Poppy tried to give me a dreamless sleep potion again, but I quickly identified it. When she turned around I poured the potion into a small plant that sat on a table next to my bed. I'm curious if the potion will have any effect on the plant.
My mission is to locate Severus and if I have to, beat some sense into him. I know he feels guilty about what happened to me, but he's going to have to get over that. He's hurting me more by staying away from me. Harry said he spoke to Severus, but wasn't sure he got through to him. Severus grimaced when Harry said I didn't blame or hold anything against him. Apparently, I'm going to have to ambush Severus.
I walked slowly and softly to the door. Not only was I trying not to be heard, but my head was starting to swim. I've only gotten up to use the loo; hopefully I have enough strength to make it to Severus' lab. Gods help me if he's actually in our bedroom. I'll probably pass out before I get there.
Even though I was walking lightly, the floor boards were creaking under my feet. No one should hear me, everyone should be in bed or at least in their room. I'll be fine if I run into Harry, Ron, or Draco, anyone else and I'll be back in bed in no time. The door creaks slightly as I pull it open, but again, it's not loud enough to draw anyone's attention.
"I knew it was only a matter of time." I heard a deep male voice say. I realized I was still staring at the door hinges, willing them to stop making noises. I looked over slowly and Lucius was standing in front of me smirking. Poppy was standing beside him with a mean scowl on her face.
"Hermione!" Poppy scolded, quietly. "I told you to remain in your bed and only to get up if you had to use the loo!"
"Er, I am headed to the loo." That sounded far from convincing.
"You have a loo in your bedroom", Poppy said flatly.
"Right..." I happened to glance behind Lucius and saw a tall figure stretched out on the couch. Severus laid with his arm stretched over his face and appeared to be oblivious to our conversation. "Severus..."
"Hermione, you need to get back in bed. You are still very weak", Poppy said, softly.
"Severus...I need to speak with him. That's why I'm up; I was trying to find him." I took a step while I was speaking and started to sway a bit, I hadn't realized how light headed and weak I actually felt. Lucius quickly grabbed me and gently pushed me into the wall.
"Poppy, why don't you go get Hermione a potion and I will get her back into bed", Lucius suggested. He put his arm around my back and pulled me to his chest; he laced his other hand under my legs and picked me up. "I know you want to speak to Severus, Hermione. But, now is not a good time for either of you."
"What do you mean? Severus isn't sick or hurt is he?"
"No, no. I managed to slip a dreamless sleep potion into his tea this evening. You see, Severus hasn't been sleeping or eating since the night we arrived back with you. I coaxed him into having some tea and as you can see, he's in a deep sleep."
"Oh. I just wanted to see him; he doesn't want anything to do with me anymore."
"I can assure you, all Severus wants is you. He's terrified that he hurt you and that you hate him. I know Harry spoke to him, but that didn't do much for Severus. I'm going to have a talk with Severus in the morning; it's obvious he's hurting you more now than ever."
"Thank you, Lucius. And if that doesn't work, I will speak with him tomorrow."
Lucius chuckled, "I will warn you, you are being looked after heavily. Someone is always sitting outside your room at night, at both doors. We knew it was only a matter of time before you tried sneaking out of your room."
I groaned, everyone was making this so difficult.
"Now, now, we are only doing this for your health. You wouldn't have made it far from the doorway if Poppy and I weren't on the other side of it. Give your body sometime to rest; you've been through a great ordeal. Once you're healed, then you can go sneaking around the house, plotting on Severus."
Oh, I can assure you I am not waiting that long. I will be out of this bed tomorrow, whether everyone likes it or not.
"Fine", I said with a sigh.
"Alright, Hermione", Poppy said, walking swiftly back into the room. "You will take this dreamless sleep potion and I will watch you do it." I scowled and downed the potion. There was no use in fighting; besides my body was very tired and not willing to fight.
I woke up to the smell of bacon filling my nostrils. I practically started to drool. I can't remember the last time I had a decent meal.
"I thought that might wake you up", Harry said, smiling at me. He was sitting on the side of my bed. Ron and Draco were sitting at the end of it.
"Please tell me you brought me some of whatever you are eating." My stomach started to rumble as I spoke.
"Mmm hmm, Poppy and Albus sent us in here with breakfast."
"We think they wanted to get rid of us so they could discuss something", Draco added.
"We heard you tried to escape last night", Ron said as Harry conjured a tray and placed a plate of food in front of me.
"I just wanted to speak to Severus, but Lucius and Poppy intervened", I replied, spooning a fork full of eggs into my mouth.
"That's what my dad was telling Severus this morning. Father was piling on a nice guilt trip, saying you were going to harm yourself if you kept getting out of bed", Draco replied.
I couldn't help but grin, "How did Severus react?"
"Well, Severus was really pissed that he was slipped a dreamless sleep potion last night. But, once my dad mentioned your weak state and nearly passing out, Severus seemed to grow uneasy. Severus really is worried about you; he's just a bit unnerved."
"I know that's why I want to speak with him. I just want him to hear it from me that I don't blame him and that he better stop avoiding me."
"Well, I have some news that might cheer you up a bit", Harry said. "Poppy told us she would allow you out of bed for a little while. We are going to take you outside, but Poppy insists that you stay sitting while you're out there."
"Finally! I'm so tired of this room. I'll go anywhere at this point."
"Ginny and Mrs Weasley are waiting for us. Molly and Poppy will be checking on us periodically, it was the only way we could get you outside."
I never thought I'd be so happy to see the outside. It is one of those perfect summer days. The sun is shining and there's a light breeze, everything seems perfect. I'm reclined in a lawn chair, next to Harry, Ron, and Ginny. Molly and Poppy have been coming outside every half hour or so to check on me. I feel bad for Draco, since Ginny and Mrs Weasley don't know of his presence or alliance; he has to stay up on the fourth floor.
"So, Hermione, you know George is single again", Ginny said with a small smile.
"Ugh, Ginny, not this again. I love all your brothers, but not like that. I've known them for far too long to be involved with any of them. I mean come on, we're all practically family. Look how bad mine and Ron's relationship turned out."
Ginny snickered, "I know, I know. I just hate that you're alone. You can't possibly be happy with that."
I sighed, "Of course I don't like being alone, but I'm working on that."
"Wait, with whom?!" Ginny nearly leapt out of her chair. Shit, how am I going to cover this one up?
"Um, well..." I looked at Harry and Ron desperately. They both looked like they were thinking hard, trying to come up with an answer. "It's sort of a secret. This person and I haven't decided if we are actually going to have a go at a relationship. I'll tell you when the time comes."
"Hermione", Ginny whined. "Can't you just tell us?"
"Soon, I promise. I will tell you three when I know it's a real relationship."
"Fine", Ginny huffed.
"Hermione, you're starting to look a little pale. You've been out here a few hours, perhaps it's time to go inside", Molly suggested.
"Yes, I am feeling a bit tired." I lied, I feel good. I'm just ready to get away from Ginny before she tries to get any more information out of me.
Poppy shooed Harry, Ron, and Ginny away from my room, after we came back inside. She told them I needed at least until dinner time to rest. When Harry and Ron got me back to my bed, I pretended like I fell right to sleep, so Poppy would leave me alone. After about twenty minutes, I was sure no one was coming into bother me. Now, my next mission was in effect.
To find Severus.
I got out of bed and slowly crept toward the door. I'm sure there is someone sitting on the other side, but hopefully I can talk who ever it is into letting me talk to Severus for at least five minutes. I feel way better than I did last night. I'm not even sure how I made it this far last night. I slowly pushed the door open and see Draco lying in a chair, with his eyes closed. Score! Draco opened his eyes and grinned at me.
"Figured you'd be out here soon. Poppy set me here to watch for your escape", Draco said.
"Just pretend to sleep, where's Severus?"
Draco smirked, "He's actually lying in bed. I think that sleeping draught they slipped him last night was really strong. Severus has been sleeping on and off all morning."
I smiled, this was perfect. If I could catch him while he is half asleep, maybe this wouldn't be so hard.
"Thanks, Draco." Draco grinned and nodded. He turned over in his chair and appeared to be going to sleep.
I walked a little faster to the entrance of our bedroom. I couldn't wait to see Severus, it's been days. I silently opened the door and looked over. Severus was lying on his bed facing me, with his eyes closed. I could tell he wasn't fully asleep, but he wasn't awake either. The floor boards seemed to be working with me, they didn't make any noise as I walked over to his bed. I decided to take the best and more appealing approach; I slid into the bed with him.
Severus' eyes immediately snapped open when I touched the bed. I assume he would have been awake as soon as I opened the door, if it weren't for the sleeping draught that was still in his system. Severus seemed to suck in a breath and started to get up. I don't think so. I go limp and fall into Severus, wrapping my arm over his chest and entwining my legs in with him.
"Hermione", Severus croaked in a sleep ridden voice.
"Severus, please. I know you're blaming yourself, but I don't blame you. You did what you had to; we would be dead if you hadn't. Besides, you and I both know we would have eventually had sex. Trust me, that wasn't my ideal first time with you, but there's nothing for you to beat yourself up about."
Severus didn't say anything, he just stared me in the eyes. I think he is trying to read me to see if I'm sincere about what I'm saying. Severus must have realized because he sighed and wrapped his arms around my shoulders.
"You're tired", he said quietly.
"Yes, I am. I've been outside all morning and the walk to here from my room must have tired me out. You're tired, too."
Severus nodded, "Draco was supposed to be watching to make sure you didn't leave."
I laid my head on his chest and smiled, "Draco was the last person you should have left to guard my room." It was quiet for a moment; I realize Severus has fallen back asleep. His chest is rising and falling slowly with each breath he took. His soothing breathes lulled me right to sleep.
When I woke up I was laying in the make shift infirmary bed, in the private room. I scowled as I looked around; no one was in the room with me. Stupid jerk couldn't even let me stay in a bed with him for a few hours. The door starts to creak open, Severus better be on that other side of that. Damn it! Harry is standing in the doorway, smirking at me.
"I didn't think you'd be too happy when you woke up", Harry said, starting to grin.
"Where's Severus?" My voice was more angry than I intended.
"He's playing chess with Lucius."
What! That jerk dumped me in here so he could go play a game! Harry let out a laugh and walked fully into the room, closing the door. The anger must be written all over my face.
"Don't be too angry, Hermione. Ginny had walked in to check on you a few hours before dinner and noticed you weren't in the room. She started to freak out when she couldn't find you anywhere in the house. While Ron calmed Ginny down, I came and searched our rooms on the fourth floor. Albus, Lucius, and I found you and Severus asleep. Lucius took you back to your bed in here, and I gave Ginny some lame excuse that you were hidden away in the study reading and had fallen asleep."
"Oh, did Ginny buy the story?"
"Yes, she didn't have a reason not too. Once she saw you were asleep and fine, she left the matter alone. Poppy on the other hand was furious; she smacked Draco in the head with a book. I'm sure you will catch her wrath later."
I couldn't help but laugh. I could see Poppy and Narcissa reaming Draco out for letting me out of my room. I guess I'm not going to be able to sneak out so easily next time.
"How does Severus seem? We didn't get a chance to talk much, we were both tired", I asked Harry.
"Well, he does seem a little better. Severus is defiantly less moody."
I sighed, Severus was not making this easy. Ron and Draco walked in a few minutes later, with a tray full of food. Molly and Ginny had gone home for a while, Ginny was coming back to stay the night with Harry and Ron. Remus wasn't spending the night either, so that meant Ginny would be the only 'house guest' here tonight. Her and Harry will be occupied for the night, so I can probably get in some alone time with Severus. That is if I can get past my door guards.
Poppy entered my room around eight o'clock. "Alright, you three get out. Dinner is well over and Hermione needs her rest. Might I add, Hermione, if you sneak out of your room tonight I will put a body bind on you."
Ron let out a snort of laughter.
"But, I'm fine Poppy. I'd imagine I'd need to start my training again soon", I said, tiredly.
"You most certainly will not! I will not permit you to do any training until next week. And your body is still weak and recovering, you are not fine. I can assure you that there will be better guards on your room tonight and you will not get by them so easily", Poppy snapped, shooting a glare at Draco.
"Ginny will be here soon, I better get downstairs", Harry said.
"Yes, I need to go make my appearance before you two start going at it. Draco I will meet you back in our room in about an hour." I snorted at the look Poppy shot Ron. I don't think it matters how old we are, she doesn't want to hear about our sexual escapades.
"Out boys, Hermione needs her rest", Poppy said, as she walked over with three vials of potion. "I won't give you the dreamless sleep potion right now. I will check on you in a few hours and if you are having trouble sleeping I will give it to you then."
"Ok, I think I'll be ok though. These potions always make me tired and I seem to be pretty tired anyway. Which I don't understand, because I slept half the day."
"You spent most of the morning and afternoon outside, not to mention traipsing around the upstairs. You need your rest, now."
I nodded and swallowed the potions. I had no desire on trying to move anytime soon, so I snuggled down into my pillow. I could tell I was falling asleep. I heard Poppy rummaging around with a few things and then leave. But, then I heard a murmur, so I assume she came back in for something. A moment later I felt an arm wrap around my waist, as someone got into the bed. I gasped and started to jump up.
"It's just me, it's alright," Severus' silky voice said into my ear. I turned over to face him and he gave me a weak smile. I sighed and snuggled into his chest. "I hope you weren't too upset when you woke up in here earlier."
"I was ready to hex you when I noticed I was in here alone. But, Harry explained everything to me."
"We should probably talk..." Severus' voice was uneasy.
"There's nothing to discuss. I told you, Severus, I hold nothing against you. You did what you had too. Yes I nearly died, but you're the only thing that kept me alive. If it weren't for you I'd be dead. So, as long as you stop avoiding me we're fine. If you keep avoiding me, I'll hex your balls off."
Severus snorted, "You're mouthy when you take a lot of potions."
I glared at him playfully, "That seems to be the only way I can capture your attention. It's a good thing you came in here tonight; I'm sure Poppy has a barricade outside my door."
Severus smirked, "Yes, Lucius, Albus, Draco, Minerva, and Narcissa were all sitting outside the door when I entered."
"Wow, did they really think it would take that many people to hold me in here."
"Apparently, but once they all saw I was coming in here to you, they backed off. I guess they figured you'd stay put if I was in here."
I smiled, they were right. I have absolutely no intentions of leaving this room, as long as Severus is in here with me. I cuddled deeper into Severus' side and he stiffened.
"Perhaps I should go and let you get your rest", Severus said and got up.
What, no! Gods, I just got him in here, I don't want him to leave now. I can tell he's hesitant and more awkward than ever.
"No, Severus, please stay. I feel safe with you here with me. Please, Ginny is the only one in the house tonight and her and Harry are occupied. There's no reason you can't stay." I grabbed Severus by the arm and yanked him back onto the bed. He fell face first into the bed and half his body was covering mine, he really did make me feel safe.
"Hermione..." He said, starting to protest. I wrapped my arms around his chest and buried my head into his neck and sniffed. He smelled so wonderful. That seemed to lighten Severus up a bit. He relaxed and pulled the blanket up around us. "Only for a little while. I'm going to go back to the sitting room once you're asleep." I could tell he was just as tired as I was.
SHS
I just had the best nights sleep, ever. I can feel the pressure of Severus still on my chest. He has removed himself from my body, for the most part. I'm lying on my back and Severus has his face in my neck and an arm around my middle. This has to be one of my favorite positions.
I couldn't resist the urge to run my hand through Severus' hair. He did have some greasy hair in the morning and anytime he was near a potions lab. But other than that, it's actually soft. I know because one afternoon during training I couldn't help but touch it. Severus wasn't too happy about that. A soft groan sounded from Severus' lips and his eyes flickered open.
"What time is it", he asked.
"I'm not sure, but I think its morning judging by the sun coming in through the window."
Severus sighed and lifted up on his forearms, staring down at me. "I should probably leave here before someone finds me." I glared and he grinned. "I'm sure I will see you at some point today or tonight."
"I better", I said still glaring, but then I smiled.
Severus smiled down at me and then his gaze fell on my lips. He looks like he wants to kiss me, gods I hope he does. I think I'll even be ok with just a little peck. Any contact from Severus will do. He slowly bent his head down.
"Hermione, are you awake? Harry and I are up early, I didn't know if you wanted any breakfast", Ginny said, as she walked through the door from the first floor. Ginny looked at us and stopped in her tracks.
Everything was in slow motion. I looked at Ginny, who looked at me and then at Severus. I glanced up at Severus; he appeared to be judging the length of time he had to get to his wand before he got hexed. I could see Ginny's hand start to flinch. The slow motion lasted for about thirty seconds.
The next thing I know, Severus has grabbed my upper body and rolled us onto the floor, on the other side of the bed. Ginny had shot one curse and was starting to rush us.
"Harry!" Ginny and I screamed, frantically, at the same time.
"What, have you come back for more, Snape? You filthy piece of shit", Ginny screamed, rushing at us.
Harry ran into the room, "What's wrong!" He looked at the scene and at Ginny; Harry immediately ran over to Ginny and wrestled her to the floor.
"What the fuck are you doing, Harry!" Ginny spat.
"What's going on in here?!" Poppy said hurrying into the room, followed by Kingsley. They both looked around and Kingsley started cursing.
"Harry, take Ginny into the other room and give her a brief run down. This meeting might as well take place today, I will owl the Weasley's, Remus, and Sirius", Kingsley said, angrily. He shot a glare at Severus and I. Harry dragged an angry and cursing Ginny from the room.
"Are you alright?" Severus asked, as he quickly pulled himself off of me and started to look me over. I couldn't help but giggle, causing Severus to raise his eyebrows. "And what, may I ask, is so funny?"
"Ginny is going to have a cow when she finds out there is something going on between us."
"Oh really? You don't think the news of Albus being alive and the fact that I'm not murderer will cause her any distress?"
"No, she'll get over that quickly. But us, well, that's going to be entertaining when I tell her."
Severus smirked.
