A/N: I know, I know...I am an absolutely horrible person for not updating for 2 1/2 months. Especially where the last chapter left off. I have no excuses. I simply got burnt out and lost interest in writing for a while. I'm back and hopefully you enjoy this chapter! This is not the last chapter, but we are getting very close to the end! :)

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Hermione POV

Hermione was still in the Great Hall, fighting alongside fellow Order and D.A. members. Trying hard to ignore the searing pain, from the knife wound Bellatrix had crudely etched into her arm. The word Mudblood, angry red, sprawled across her forearm. Hermione took a deep breath and willed the pain from her mind. Turning just in time to see Antonin Dolohov stalking towards her, a maniacal smile spread across his face. She drew herself up, standing tall and refusing to back down. Within seconds, Dolohov was merely a few feet away from her and seconds later she found herself dueling with the man who had cursed her in her fifth year.

"Ah, we meet again, Mudblood," Dolohov taunted Hermione, baring his teeth like a rabid dog. Instead of replying, Hermione pointed her wand at Dolohov.

"Impedimenta," Hermione shouted, at the same time the Death Eater was preparing to hit her with the cruciatus curse. The jinx had slowed Dolohov's movements, just enough for Hermione to move out of the pathway of the red sparks emanating from his wand. By the time her jinx wore off, Hermione was behind him and she didn't hesitate to send a stinging jinx racing toward Dolohov as soon as he turned to face her. He growled in pain. His eyes had turned to angry slits at having been outdone by a Mudblood.

Hermione raised her wand, ready to send another spell towards the dark wizard, but she wasn't so lucky this time. Still kneeling on the ground, Dolohov sent a silent crucio towards the young witch. Hermione crumpled to the ground. She writhed in excruciating pain, but as loud as her mind screamed, no sound escaped her lips. Dolohov circled her, taunting her. He kicked her in the stomach, as he continued to mock and laugh at her.

Suddenly, a wayward jinx hit him square in the chest, effectively releasing Hermione from the pain of the cruciatus. Struggling to her feet, Hermione took a deep breath. When she regained her balance, as well as her presence of mind, Hermione saw Dolohov on his knees, trying to catch his breath. She knew she would need to act fast.

Hermione drew herself up, once again, to her full height. Pointing her wand at Dolohov's chest. Knowing what she had to do, Hermione's hand began to shake. As much as she hated the man before her, it was not in her nature to be cruel. However, Dolohov decided to taunt her, one last time.

"Do you really think you can beat me, Mudblood? I know your weakness." Dolohov chuckled darkly at the look of confusion that took over Hermione's face. "Did you think we wouldn't find out? Did you really think Snape could fool the Dark Lord? We know all about the two of you and your...bond." His lips curled into a derisive sneer at the last word.

Hermione's eyes widened and her blood went cold. If Voldemort knew of their bond, she knew what that meant for him. Anger filled every facet of her being and before she could think twice, Hermione steadied her wand, still pointing at the wizard before her. He was laughing, a smug smile playing across his lips. He never saw it coming...

"Sectumsempra," Hermione's eyes blazed with anger. An awful gurgling sound escaped from deep in Dolohov's throat. Colapsing on the floor, Hermione could see the rips that had formed in his robes. Her eyes widened as blood began to seep from the slashes that had formed on his body. Hermione stood over the Death Eater, shocked at what she had done. However, she knew she didn't have a choice. He would have killed her without a second thought.

After several minutes of watching him writhe and gasp for air, Hermione watched as Antonin Dolohov took one last, ragged breath. Hermione staggered away, suddenly feeling the urge to vomit. Running towards the double doors of the Great Hall, Hermione rounded the corner and wretched the contents of her stomach. Leaning against the wall, Hermione slid down it until she was sitting on the floor. Hugging her legs, Hermione rested her forehead on her knees and cried softly. She wasn't feeling sorry for the life she had just ended, but it was against her nature. Who wouldn't be affected?

Taking several calming, deep breaths, Hermione wiped the tears from her eyes. After a few minutes, she decided she needed to return to the battle. It wouldn't do to leave everyone else to fight while she sat in a corner, feeling sorry for herself. Just as she stood up, a sharp pain erupted inside Hermione's neck. Doubling over, she tried to catch her breath. Focusing her thoughts, Hermione reached out to Severus with her mind. She figured out that he was in the Shrieking Shack, but could not figure out where the sudden burst of pain came from.

Severus? Are you alright? Hermione spoke to him through their bond. Even the voice in her head seemed frantic.

It seemed like an eternity to Hermione, but after a minute, Severus' voice entered her mind. She could feel the excruciating pain he was in as Severus spoke one word: Nagini...

Hermione knew what that meant. Voldemort had used his familiar as a weapon against Severus. That would explain why she felt a sharp pain in her neck: Hermione was feeling Severus' pain. She knew what she needed to do. Hermione raced towards the dungeons, mentally preparing a list of things she would need. Once she reached the potions stores, Hermione began to gather supplies. Ripping a piece of her shirt, Hermione transfigured the piece of cloth into a small pouch. Once she was satisfied that she had everything, Hermione threw her supples into the makeshift bag. Racing towards the Shrieking Shack and the man she loved, Hermione prayed she wasn't too late.

Once Hermione was outside of the castle, she disillusioned herself. She didn't know what dangers she might encounter along the way. After what seemed like an eternity, Hermione made it to the door of the Shrieking Shack. Peering into a dirty window, Hermione made sure there was no one else there. However, she could not stop the tears that blurred her vision when her eyes landed on Severus. He was propped up in a corner: eyes closed, blood trickling down his chest from the angry wound on his neck and his face was deathly pale.

Opening the door, the hinges creaked, alerting Severus of her presence. Using what little energy he had left, Severus opened his eyes, expecting to see a Death Eater come to finish the job. Severus could not hide his surprise when Hermione revealed herself and began to make her way towards him. Kneeling beside him, Hermione moved a strand of hair out of Severus' eye. He gave her a weak smile in return.

"I'm afraid this might be the end for me, my love," Severus croaked. "I am grateful that your eyes and beautiful smile are the last things I will see." He slowly brought a hand up to cup Hermione's cheek. She could not hold back the sob that escaped her throat as she turned her head to place a soft kiss on the palm of his hand. "I-I love you...Her...Mione..." Hermione watched in horror as his eyes closed and his hand landed with a thump on the dirty floor. Leaning forward, Hermione pressed her fingers to his neck, careful to avoid his injury. After several seconds, she detected a pulse. It was slow and it was weak. If she didn't act fast, there would be no hope for him.

Reaching into her bag, Hermione pulled out a bezoar. Without another moments hesitation, she shoved it down Severus' throat. Watching Severus closely for any indication of life, Hermione held her breath. After what seemed like an eternity, Severus' chest heaved. A strangled sob of relief escaped Hermione's throat when his eyes flew open and she could see his black pools looking back at her. Getting lost in the moment, Hermione jumped back into action as he began to cough uncontrollably. Rummaging through her pouch, Hermione found an empty vial. Transfiguring it into a glass, she whispered a quick aguamenti. Holding the glass, now filled with cold water, up to Severus' lips, Hermione assisted him. Closing his eyes, Severus drank gratefully. When he had had his fill, Severus opened his eyes.

"Thank you," Severus said weakly. His voice was raspy and quiet, no doubt Nagini had damaged his vocal chords. Hermione rewarded him with a teary smile. Severus let his head fall back gently against the wall. Reaching into the pouch once more, Hermione laid out the potions she had procured. Hermione then situated herself next to Severus and pulled him down carefully, until his head rested in her lap. First, Hermione cleaned his wound and applied the Essence of Dittany. She watched as the gash in his neck closed itself, leaving behind an angry red scar. One by one, Hermione helped Severus take all but one of the potions he needed. The last one, she knew he would need later.

After several minutes, Hermione was relieved to see the color slowly returning to Severus' face. Hermione could feel Severus shaking from the cold. Whispering a quick cleansing spell, Hermione vanished the blood and dirt from his clothes. Pointing her wand at the now empty pouch, Hermione transfigured it, once again, into a blanket. Covering his body, Hermione held Severus as she ran her fingers soothingly through his hair. Her actions lulling him into a light sleep.

Approximately an hour later, Severus woke to find that they were in the exact same position. Hermione had her head turned, looking out the dingy window towards the castle. He could still hear the battle raging on in the distance. Slowly, Severus brought his hand up to rest atop her own, which she had laying on his chest, right over his heart. Looking down to meet his eyes with her own, Hermione smiled down at him.

"How are you feeling?" Hermione asked quietly.

"Much better, thanks to you," Severus replied with a small smile. "We should probably head back, love."

Hermione sighed. She knew Severus was right, but she was concerned if he had the strength to get back out there in his present condition. However, Hermione knew better than to argue. Severus' sense of duty would never allow him to abandon the others. Getting to her feet, Hermione held onto Severus and helped him slowly to his feet.

Noticing how tired and weak Severus was, Hermione picked up the lone vial she had left on the floor. "Here, take this," Hermione ordered. Pressing a vial of Vitamix potion into Severus' hand. A few minutes later, the potion took effect, and Severus could feel himself becoming more alert and energetic.

"Are you ready?" Severus asked, brushing his thumb over Hermione's cheek.

"As long as I'm with you," Hermione answered, looking into his eyes.

Bending down to kiss her one last time, Severus savored the moment. All too soon he had to pull away. Reaching out, he took her hand in his and gave her a reassuring squeeze. Wandlessly, Severus disillusioned Hermione and then himself. Slowly, the pair made their way back to the castle. Being absent from the battle for over an hour, they didn't know what they would find. Hand in hand, they were prepared to face it together.