Disclaimer: Harry Potter and the attached magical universe belong solely to Mrs J.K Rowling.

A/N: I laugh my evil laugh every time one of you reviews how much they hate my cliffhangers!

All hail my beautiful beta, Fredrika, who does an awesome job, so fast my eyeballs are left spinning in their sockets.

Chapter 14: The Cabin in the Woods

"What do you mean: not a good idea?" The witch seethed like a Kneazle ready to pounce on a cornered rat.

"No, no, no... It"s not what it sounds like!" Remus answered in a panic, waving his hands frantically in the hope to dispel the misunderstanding. "I was thinking about the Patronus Totalus and if us kissing wouldn't break the spell for us."

It would be terrible if she thought he had meant the kiss had been a mistake because he was having second thoughts, or Merlin forbid, that he hadn't enjoyed it. He didn't want to lose this amazing witch over his confusing choice of words. But Hermione merely chuckled, her posture immediately losing its rigid defensive stance.

"Oh! No, don't worry. I know I have a reputation as a bookworm, but I have kissed before, you know. And so has Neville."

Remus did not find her explanation so humorous. For him; it only meant he had been bested in the romance department by a young man who was so shy he stuttered when he had to address more than a couple people, and a woman who spent more time with books than real people, and gladly so. Being the age he was, he did feel a bit pathetic, but still, he couldn't have wished for someone more perfect than Hermione for his first kiss.

The witch in question was now thinking along the same lines.

"Wait...does this mean you've never kissed before. This was your first kiss?"

Remus blushed, which was in his opinion answer enough, so he waited for her to burst out laughing. She didn't thankfully, he should have know she wouldn't, but the whole novelty of the situation was making him inordinately nervous.

Neither knowing what to say after this new revelation, they busied themselves instead with the daily, very ordinary routine of clearing the remnants of their breakfast and freshening up as best they could in the shoddy little cottage. Having arrived with only the clothes on their back prompted them to organize an outing for the much needed supplies. They didn't know how long they would be stuck here and Hermione would have gladly wrestled a troll for a toothbrush at this point.

"Do you think we could sneak into Grimmauld Place for my wand at least? I feel pretty useless without it to tell the truth. Not to mention I'd be a sitting duck if we were attacked." She pleaded.

"We could ask the surveillance team assigned to the house, I suppose. I wonder what it means if it hasn't been raided yet?" The wizard thought out loud. "Either Severus is putting up a pretty good fight or Voldemort hasn't found a way to break the Fidelius, after all."

"Or the Death-Eaters know the house is watched or empty. They could just be waiting for a couple of fools to walk right into their own trap." Hermione suggested, raising an inquiring eyebrow at her companion to ask how probable that could be.

Remus absent-mindedly scratched the stubble on his chin before shrugging.

"We'll just have to take a gamble, I guess. I imagine I can't convince you to wait here for me?"

"That would be a foolish hope."

"Then we'll apparate further away from the usual spot, just in case. I'd rather walk a block or two than stumble right into Death-Eaters' arms."

Hermione nodded before shyly stepping between the man's opened arms, inviting her for side along apparition. She still marveled that such a kind-hearted and handsome man wanted her of all people. She stood closer to him than strictly necessary, she knew, brushing against his muscular chest, but the satisfied smile she saw from the corner of her eyes assured her he didn't mind in the least. He tenderly hugged her to him and they both disappeared from the dense forest into a typical damp London alley.

It was raining thick droplets so Remus hastily transfigured their robes into muggle raincoats before they headed for Grimmauld Place, holding hands. Their relationship was still tentative and not really established yet, but he'd be damned if he didn't take every little bit of tenderness she was willing to give him and try his best to make it work.

They approached the gloomy square where Grimmauld Place was hidden from view of all, save the Order members, and maybe Voldemort's troop. In the park opposite the house where they usually apparated, they noticed a woman feeding a pack of hungry pigeons, half hidden under her umbrella. They remained at a safe distance, scanning their surroundings for friend or foe. If either were there, they were hiding their presence admirably well, although Remus was pretty sure the woman throwing crumbs at her feet was Arabella Figg. However, it appeared they weren't that inconspicuous when they were silently approached from behind and greeted by a familiar voice.

"I thought that was you." Molly Weasley told them, uncharacteristically subdued for the overbearing woman, although she did spare them each a tight hug. "I'm glad you're okay, nobody knew where you two had disappeared off to. I hope you're taking good care of her Remus, especially after that dreadful business with Nymphadora."

Remus leaped at the opportunity of changing topics to avoid explaining exactly how well he was caring for Hermione. He highly doubted the Weasley matriarch would approve of him having a relationship with the young woman.

"Did Kingsley find Tonks yet?"

"No, but he's hot on her trail so it shouldn't be long now." Mrs Weasley answered sadly.

"About that... Hermione lost her wand when Tonks attacked her and we need to get in the house. It won't take but a minute, do you think that's possible?"

The red-head cocked her head in thought for a minute.

"Well... We haven't seen head nor tail of anyone suspicious yet, so I suppose you can go ahead. Just be extra-quick about it, won't you. I'll warn the others not to stop you." And with a hug goodbye that was as rib-crushing as the first, she disappeared under an impressive number of charms. Hermione had always suspected the kind woman was a force to be reckoned with, seeing it with her eyes was still a bit mind-boggling.

Approaching the grim old place, she noticed a couple of disillusioned persons standing vigil, but since they didn't attack, she assumed they were the other Order members keeping watch on their former headquarters. She felt a bit better about entering the house, a bit less trapped once she stepped inside. Everything was exactly as they had left the place late that night, even the umbrella stand that had been knocked down in their haste. The heavy silence made the atmosphere even gloomier than usual however.

"Let's get this done over with quickly." She urged her partner.

"It's a bit silly being here and not taking our belongings though." Remus said uncertainly.

Hermione was torn between her desire to be out of there before he could say "quidditch" and the comfort her things would give her in the sparse cabin they had taken residence into. With a nod, Remus accioed her wand, thankfully intact, and both magically packed, reduced and pocketed their belongings and were back out in the rain with a sigh of relief.

Back at the cabin, Hermione made to place her trunk in the bedroom she had slept in when she paused, looking around the living area that was part kitchen, part living-room and part, she was happy to see, library. But there was no door leading to another bedroom.

"Where did you sleep?" She asked, knowing what the answer would be.

He motioned towards the couch.

"Of course you did." she huffed, annoyed that he must have woken up with a stiff neck. But she couldn't be upset at his gentlemanly manners when that was part of what made him so attractive in her eyes. "What is this place anyhow?" she asked instead.

"I built the cabin for when I couldn't find wolfsbane: it's very secluded, far away from both muggles and magical dwellings so I wouldn't hurt anyone. Unfortunately, I never thought I would be having a guest, which explains it's a bit...plain." He explained with a wry smile.

"It's nice." She reassured him. "But if we're staying here any number of days, we might as well improve it, at least add a bedroom for me... unless you want me to share yours?" she teased daringly with a wicked smile.

Remus growled, which only made her grin more.

"I don't think Albus will be pleased with losing two of his patroni." he said through clenched teeth, visibly struggling with the refusal.

They set to work, and with Remus' talents in charms combined to her own in transfiguration, the place was one room larger and actually deserved the title of cottage rather than cabin. She could even say she liked the homely little place now, and was already planning to add a little garden and pathway to the front when she had time. It reminded her of a little fairytale cottage, although it could do with some more furniture and decoration.

Remus then busied himself with strengthening the wards and she realized how lucky she was he knew so much about them from his studies of the dark arts.

They had managed to keep themselves busy all day, all the while knowing they were just trying to avoid thinking about Severus. That night, Hermione was lounging in the couch, her feet tucked under her as she snuggled against the wizard and staring intently at her WARTS parchment, willing it to deliver a message from her friend.

"You know he probably doesn't have the parchment anymore?" Remus asked softly.

"I know." She replied dejectedly. "But I feel like it's the only link I have with him, now. I still can't believe Dumbledore just abandoned him. I feel like I abandoned him too."

The Gryffindor couple had no news over the next few days. They had settled into a routine and Hermione sometimes mused that it felt like they were a newly-wed couple, and didn't mind that idea in the least, which came as more of a surprise since she had always thought she would end up being a spinster living with her cats.

Remus liked living with Hermione too, he enjoyed the little things like their long quite evenings reading side by side in the library, making her laugh, her good-night kisses or her smile in the morning. Therefore he was surprised when she wasn't there to greet him that morning, she was usually the first one up. He panicked when he found her bedroom empty too and ran out of the house. His witch was there, covered in mud and grass stains with a flower wreath on her head. It seemed she had decided to add a little white picket fence around the cottage. A bit dainty in his opinion, but since he no longer transformed into a savage beast once a month, dispatching any risk he would have made toothpicks of her hard work, he saw no reason to oppose her. She looked so happy, basking in the first rays of the rising sun, the flowers in her hair making her look like a delicate wood fairy and smiling brightly when she heard him approach, that he couldn't help hugging her fiercely as he whispered three magical words in her ear. He had feared his feelings wouldn't be returned, or he would have told her how much he loved her a long time ago already, but that morning, the words naturally spilled out and were returned in kind.

They were still kissing each other hungrily when they finally received word from the Order in the form of an owl. Remus untied the missive while Hermione took care of grooming the tired little bird. They must really be a ways out if it had tired the poor thing that much and made a mental note to ask of their whereabouts to Remus, surprised her inquisitive mind hadn't been bothered by such a lack in her knowledge but guessing she was more preoccupied with Severus' disappearance than her current address.

Remus joined her in the kitchen where she was feeding chunks of salami to the hungry owl and she immediately noted how pale he looked.

"Severus?" she asked urgently, to which he nodded.

She snatched the parchment from his hands and read the short letter for herself. Severus had been dumped half-dead in front of Hogwarts' gates where Hagrid had found him. No doubt a message to Dumbledore. They had called for Madam Pomfrey and a St Mungos healer who often came for the more serious injuries amongst the Order of the Phoenix but they didn't give him much longer and so, had called for her and Remus to say their goodbyes if they wished. If they had called upon the rest of the Order, Remus doubted there would be many people gathered there. He snatched his cloak and Hermione's, helping her apparate because she didn't seem to be in a state to concentrate on the destination right then.

Severus lay in the hospital wing surrounded by more people than she had expected: Dumbledore and Minerva, as well as Hagrid and Flitwick made up the Hogwarts staff. Luna and Neville held each other nearby with Molly and Arthur Weasley standing closer with Harry, which was the biggest surprise yet. Their ex-spy did look half-dead if she said so herself: she could hardly note the rise and fall of his chest, his complexion matched the stark white sheets of the infirmary, although she noted blood seeping through, despite the healing and bandages. The bleeding was worse on his left forearm and she wondered if Voldemort had decided to cut off his dark man in penance of his treason.

Madam Pomfrey was concerting over the sick-bed with an old wizard in healing robes and neither looked happy nor were they doing anything. What his case so hopeless? She ignored everyone and made a beeline for her friend's side, clutching his limp hand as tears rolled down her cheeks, calling his name over and over. She knew it was no use fighting the tears, she was barely managing not to become hysterical at this stage.

The nurse put a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Hermione. We did all we could but V-Vo... that monster wanted us to witness his passing as well, and he made sure we couldn't save him."

"Wh-what did he do?" She managed to articulate through her sobs.

"The Dark Mark." She told the young witch gravely. "He's draining his life force and his magic through his link to him."

Hermione watched the blood soaked bandage in horror.

"Can't you...can't you just cut off his arm?" She pleaded desperately. She knew most everyone was not only staring at her, but also eavesdropping when she heard several gasps at her suggestion. But she'd rather he was alive and one-armed than dead and whole. Even if Severus would probably not be of the same mind.

"Smart and sensible, this one." The healer said matter-of-factly. "Have you considered a career in healing, young lady?"

"This is hardly the time, Ichabod." Madam Pomfrey chided her colleague. "And to answer your question, Hermione, no. The Mark may be apparent on the forearm only, but it pervades and spreads its roots in the whole body. It's really the vilest piece of Dark magic I've ever had to examine."

She sniffled loudly in answer and made herself comfortable on the bed next to Severus. Others quietly exited, duty and family calling them away.

"Mione?" Harry called, fidgeting nervously beside her.

"Oh! Harry! I'm so glad you came. I didn't think you would... but I'm happy you're here."

"Well, he is brave, I'll give him that."

And Hermione flung herself in his arms, crying some more, wondering if the tears would ever stop.

"I didn't know you were so close." Harry said. "He didn't... You weren't..."

Hermione chuckled mirthlessly, saving her friend the embarrassment of asking such ludicrous questions.

"Of course not, you prat. We're just friends, we understand one another. He's like a big brother, I guess."

"Hey! I thought that was my role." Harry whined.

"You'll always be my baby brother." She told him, mussing up his hair.

"I guess that makes us brothers too, he?" He said with a nod in the prone man's direction.

"Don't say that, you'll give him a heart-attack." Hermione returned at Severus's side, feeling more like her normal self than the snivelling witch she was just a moment prior. Harry really had a gift soothing and cheering people up since he had accepted to just be himself, the good and the bad. The Boy-who-lived bade them goodbye and the WARTS members were left to themselves. Remus finally dared approach her and gave her hand a squeeze to let her know he was there for her if she needed him. She smiled gratefully back and they settled in wait next to the Slytherin's bed, holding hands again.

After a couple pf hours during which the curly-haired witch became more and more anxious again, she decided she might as well try out some arithmantic calculations to see if there was a way to save Severus they had overlooked, despite what two experienced and devoted healers had announced.

She had barely started, recalling the last time she had done the exact same thing for Remus when he lay agonizing in a sick-bed too, when she shrieked, throwing parchment and quill in the air.

"Wh-what?" Remus mumbled, having drifted off to sleep a while ago.

"I've been so stupid!" She huffed as way of explanation. "His Dark Mark...dark magic...remember the spoon, Remus! Remember how I cured you!"

The wizard exclaimed in surprise. He hadn't thought of using the Patronus Totalus either, but neither had almighty Dumbledore, he realized with a frown, wondering if he had "forgotten" on purpose. Madam Pomfrey came running back, Ichabod trailing behind her, wondering what all the commotion was about.

"Well? You better have a good reason for making such a ruckus, Miss Granger."

Hermione looked uncertainly at the strange healer behind her.

"Is he in the Order?" she questioned.

"Of course he is. I wouldn't let him near Severus if he wasn't."

"I think I can heal Severus, using the Patronus Totalus, Madam Pomfrey. It worked on Remus and that was a rooted dark magic too!" The know-it-all explained excitedly. "I'm so stupid for not thinking of it sooner, the similarities are so striking, but this could work, I'm sure of it."

Madam Pomfrey nodded her assent while her colleague raised an interrogative eyebrow, very reminiscent of the snarky Potions Master.

"Hermione, wait..." Remus interrupted the jubilant witch.

"Oh, no, you don't! You can't stop me. You can't tell me what to do just because we're together."

Madam Pomfrey gasped at that.

"I wouldn't dream of it." He muttered. "I was merely going to propose I do it in your stead, or even that we do it together. It may be more dangerous or more draining than a werewolf curse and we both know you were at your limit last time."

"Right." She said, a bit embarrassed by her outburst now that she had been duly chastised. "I'm sorry. I think you're right, it may increase our chances together. Madam Pomfrey, would you and...your friend...?"

"Ichabod Barlow, Head of the magical trauma department of St Mungos, at your service Miss." The healer introduced himself with a bow. She cracked a smile at his theatrical manners, he and Severus would definitely get on well together.

"Mr Barlow, then. If you would be so kind as to overlook the proceedings and help Severus if need be?"

Hermione positioned herself on one side of the bed and Remus on the other, while the two healers stood at a safe distance, wands drawn and at the ready. The two Gryffindors meditated briefly before casting the spell simultaneously and slipping easily into their patronus form. They heard a gasp from healer Barlow before they set to work, both reaching for the dying man.

Hermione felt the tendrils of dark magic twisting throughout his body, trying to get a firmer grip on their prey whilst she and Remus were weakening the invasive influence little by little. Hermione growled at the lack of results, at this rate, they would both pass out of exhaustion and Severus would be lost to them. In a moment of frustration, she concentrated all her power into the bloody bandage where she knew lay the Dark Mark. Her wild coils of hair that had been curling around random parts of the unconscious wizard made a sudden lurch in that direction like a tsunami and wrapped around his whole arm. The dark magic shuddered like a living thing but instead of dissolving, like she was used to, it withdrew with a sudden snap, no doubt returning to its master. The backlash had both patroni return instantly to their human selves and violently thrown back across the large room. Remus crashed into the cabinet where the nurse kept first-aid potions and bandages while Ichabod Barlow managed to snatch the little witch mid-air and break her fall. As promised, the healers tended to their ex-spy first, casting diagnosis and monitoring spells to assess his general health. They exchanged a relieved look before Madam Pomfrey ripped away the now crimson bandage from his left forearm.

"Oh, Severus." She said sadly, shaking her head.