Disclaimor: All things Harry Potter belong to J.K. Rowling.
Thank you Corazon for betaing!
Author's Note: I want to give warning this story is/will be very AU (Another Universe) it does not stay true to what JK Rowling said is possible but I tried to keep the characters true though, best I can at least!
Hidden Truths
Chapter 6
Severus was glad when his last class on Friday ended. He hoped to get some reading done that night. He didn't expect to be summoned this weekend because of the last one was brutal. Voldemort had a habit of giving him two weeks recovery when he tortured Severus so badly. Severus was still being tested for his loyalty with Voldemort for the past three years. With the little information Severus had gathered over the years, he wondered if it was worth still playing spy. Voldemort apparently did not trust Severus so he would not be getting any information that could help kill the dark wizard.
Severus sat in his sitting room with a fire crackling in the stone fireplace as he read the latest potions book. It was around 10pm when Severus' Dark Mark burned sharply. Instantly Severus groaned in frustration and pain. What was the bastard going to do this time? Severus changed into his Death Eater robes and grabbed the silver mask from it hiding place. With a short note to Dumbledore informing him that Severus was being called, he left Hogwarts grounds and apparated to wherever the Dark Mark led him to.
"Ssseveruss, sssooo good of you to join uss," a voice hissed behind him.
Severus turned toward the voice to face a snake-like looking man with small red eyes, with no nose just two small slits in the middle of his face for nostrils and no lips for the mouth. Dropping to his knees and crawling to Voldemort's robes kissing them, he was whispering, "Master," before crawling back and standing again.
"What may I do to serve you Master?" Severus asked in his silky voice. How Snape hated doing these things. He sometimes couldn't believe his stupidity when he first joined the Death Eaters.
Red eyes gleamed with pleasure and a smile tried to appear on the non-existent lips, "You can wither in pain."
"Crucio!"
Severus collapsed to the ground in pain with his muscles on fire, and his veins felt like they were going to explode. He tried to stay silent but was unable to; small gasps of pain could be heard from the withering man. Hours later it seemed but in reality minutes passed before he was let out of the curse. Time passed slowly as more painful curses and more doses of the Cruciatus curse was delivered. An hour after Severus' arrival, Voldemort approached the man and kicked him hard in the ribs several times before stopping. Voldemort let Wormtail take a few kicks and punches himself before Voldemort called the man off.
"Sseverus, why do you keep coming to me when I call you?"
Gasping between breathes, "Because I am loyal to you Master."
"We shall see," Voldemort said before taking a knife out of his robes and stabbing Severus in his right shoulder but avoiding doing permanent damage.
Severus gritted his teeth to stop the moan of pain wanting to escape his lips.
"Until nexxxt time," Voldemort hissed and then disparated.
Severus laid on the ground unmoving for a minute to gather enough strength and to focus while he tempted to apparate back to Hogwarts. The world was blank for a moment before the gates of Hogwarts appeared in front of him. Severus slowly climbed to his feet and started to walk to the castle. With his right shoulder bleeding badly he was not able to put a charm on it with his wand hand, his right hand. He knew Pomfrey would be his first stop to heal him since he told Hermione to never return. 'When did I start referring to Granger as Hermione' he thought. It was a slow process walking to the castle with the after effects of all the curses. Finally reaching the doors to the castle, he pushed it open with his left arm and walked in as they shut behind him.
Severus felt a hand go around his waist and he turned to see Hermione. His regret came full force to him now. Hermione was still willing to help him even after he was a complete and utter bastard to her. He allowed her to support some of his weight on his left side.
"Hospital Wing or quarters?"
"Quarters, please."
Hearing the please escape Snape's lips surprised Hermione. She was also surprised to receive an owl one hour before letting her know of Snape's summons. Dumbledore let her know he didn't expect Snape to be summoned for at least another week, but when she got the owl she prepared and waited for his return. When she saw him he was in the same condition as last time but only the stab wound appeared on his right shoulder - his wand arm she knew.
Unconceivable to Severus he wanted to apologize for his behavior last week. It was out of character for him but he knew she deserved it. So gathering his strength and humility he said, "I apologize for last week, Ms. Granger."
Being taken aback she responded, "It's all right."
Snape wasted some more energy and shook his head, "No."
Hermione stayed quiet, she didn't want to make him waste more energy arguing with her. They got to his door but he was unable to take down the wards...
"Same as last week," Snape spoke softly.
Hermione took her right arm from his waist, grabbed her wand and performed the same movements as he did the previous week. Once they were in his chambers she settled him on his bed and did what was becoming routine for her. Removing his clothes save his boxer shorts with a flick of her wand. Hermione healed his ribs to let him breath easier and went to the Potions lab to prepare the two potions needed. Even though she didn't ask this time she assumed it would be all right, since he knew he would need them.
Severus watched Hermione apply the potions needed to heal him and use her wand to heal his other wounds. He was determined to stay awake while she did this. He had always fallen asleep before, so with great effort he stayed awake until she was done.
Hermione was a bit unnerved as Snape watched her attend to him. She could see his black irises stare at her. She avoided direct eye contact with him while she healed him. After she was done she went to his wardrobe and grabbed a pair of pajama bottoms leaving the top there because he couldn't wear it with his shoulder. She spelled the pants on him and made sure there was a glass of water, more healing potions and some towels on the night stand within arms reach. Even though he might need more potion for his wound, she was sure he could apply it himself. He would be mad if she tempted to stay the night like she wanted, to make sure he would be okay. She made to leave, knowing he was still awake she said, "Goodnight sir."
Severus could hear her say goodnight as he was about to fall asleep himself, but managed to whisper, "Stay."
Hermione was already walking out of the bedroom door when she thought she heard Snape say, 'stay'. She was about to ask him what he said, but noticed he was sleeping. Seeing him sleep so peaceful she made the decision to stay. If he yelled at her in the morning, 'oh well' she thought. It wouldn't be anything new to her. She knew she should inform Dumbledore how he was, but it could wait until morning.
~~~~~
Severus woke up the next morning a little before dawn. While his body was sore as last time there was no pain again. Severus remembered her taking great care and time in healing him. He never expected Hermione to spend so much time in healing him. He figured she did it quickly and left, but having observed her proved him wrong. She had checked the bruises and did a spell to make sure nothing more serious was under it and then healed him. The magic she was doing was advanced for a student and he knew it took her strength to heal him. When she cleaned and healed his shoulder she was so gentle in her touch. That's when he remembered telling her to stay. He looked over to the chair and there she was. His eyes adjusted to the dark so he could make her features out fine. The Glamoure Charm had worn off again. The little light coming from the early dawn light filtered in and gave her an unearthly look. She almost appeared like... he tried to think of a different word than what his mind had automatically supplied but only angel seemed to fit.
Severus continued to watch Hermione sleep as the sunlight shone gradually over time. Soon he could tell she was going to wake up as she was starting to stir with the disturbance of light on her face. He watched as her eyes started to flutter open and her gaze fell onto him. By now he sat up against the headboard relaxing. He didn't say anything, but followed her movements to the side of his bed. She tore her gaze from his eyes and checked his shoulder. With her fingers on his skin, he was feeling the tips caress the small pale scar that was left. He was surprised at her gentle touch again. No one but Pomfrey had ever touched him so and yet even Pomfrey was never this gentle. When the fingers dropped off his skin he almost felt like whimpering at the lost of her touch.
Hermione sat down on Snape's bed after checking his shoulder, her eyes met his again and she asked quietly, fearing to break the peace between them so far, "How do you feel?"
Answering honestly, "Sore."
"Do you need me to get anything for you?"
"No, I can get it."
Both were talking in such soft tones if some one wasn't close enough you would think they were just staring at each other.
"Are you hungry?"
Snape nodded an affirmative.
"I'll order you breakfast than leave you be," Hermione said walking out of the room.
"Please order yourself breakfast too. We need to talk."
Hermione paused in the doorway and looked at him for a moment before nodding. Hermione went to the fireplace in the sitting room and called for a house elf and placed the orders. He told the little creature it was for Professor Snape thinking they would know what he would want.
Within minutes a tray appeared in the hands of the house elf before Hermione. She took the tray that was full of food and coffee. "Thank you," she offered.
The elf nodded and left without a word.
Hermione took the tray back into the bedroom and found Snape still sitting up in bed. She put the tray on the bed and pulled over the chair she had slept in closer to the bed. Snape already took his plate and a cup of coffee, placing the pot onto the nightstand. Hermione took her plate and placing the cup of orange juice on the nightstand beside her and they both ate in silence for a few moments.
"I apologize for my temper last week," Snape finally broke the silence.
"And I said it was all right last night. You have no reason to apologize."
Silence reigned over them again. Severus stole glances at Hermione every couple of seconds. After a few more minutes Severus asked, "Why did you wear the Glamoure Charm when helping me?"
Hermione looked up from her plate to answer him. "The first night I was wearing it because I planned on a doing a joke with a friend, but backed out. I was heading to Gryffindor Tower when I saw you."
"Why did you keep helping me?"
"Because I asked Professor Dumbledore if I could since you were allowing no one else. Even though I forced you to accept my help the first few times." Hermione grinned a little.
"And the continuation of wearing the charm?"
"Because I knew what your reaction would be if you knew it was me," Hermione looked at him pointedly.
"Point taken and I apologize again."
"Three apologies from Professor Snape within 12 hours. I do believe I'm going to faint," she teased.
Severus was surprised she was teasing him. Even the other Professors wouldn't do that, only Dumbledore would. He liked it and seeing it helped her relax while near him.
Hermione didn't know why she was teasing him but she felt comfortable around him now. She would never have considered doing that before talking with him. She was surprised at the way he was acting toward her. He wasn't being the bastard she knew in class and she liked it. His voice was even sexier when he was talking politely to her. She tried to block that train of thought immediately since she was having breakfast with him still in bed with no shirt on. She could feel her cheeks begin to heat up with a blush. Hermione cursed herself after stealing another glance at him. His hair was bed raddled. Her fingers itched to run through it, and she knew his hair wasn't greasy as Ron and Harry said. She never did think that, but instead it was soft and silky. She ran her fingers through his hair a few times while he slept on other nights, but she barely touched his hair really, not the way she really wanted to.
"Ms. Granger, I'm curious how did you learn the healing spells and potions?" Snape asked finishing his breakfast putting it on the tray.
"I read some books in the library."
Severus was a bit startled that she learned all that by just reading a book? Most people needed to be shown in person and read the book before getting it right. His respect for the witch just increased. "Thank you for all your help."
Hermione could hear the sincerity in his voice, "Your welcome, Professor." Hermione put her empty plate on the tray also.
Severus felt he was indebted to her now, but he wondered what he could do to repay her. He only knew several personal things about her; she was caring, brilliant, friends with the two worse troublemakers and she loved to learn. Perhaps she would like to read some of the books he owned that were not available in the library and ask if there was something else she might like.
"Ms. Granger I feel as if I'm in your debt..."
Surprisingly she interrupted, "Sir, you're not in my debt."
"Maybe according to you but I see it differently. So as I know you are such a know-it-all," humor could be heard in his voice, "I was thinking you would like to read some of my books that are not available in the library."
Excitement spread throughout Hermione, "I would love too!"
Severus chuckled silently. She was the only other person, besides himself who appeared to love reading as much. "Then you are welcome to them, but I'm sure I don't have to tell you not to let others seem them."
"Of course. If you want I can read them here when helping you," Hermione was unsure of what she offered. She was kind of hoping to spend more time with him.
"How about anytime you wish to read you can come here. I'll inform you of the wards when they are changed," Severus didn't know what possessed him to make such an offer, but the two were talking so nicely it just seemed right. Another idea struck him, "Would you care to assist me now and then with potions?"
A bolt of pleasure shot through Hermione and she smiled like an angel, "I would be honored too."
"Very well."
And soon plans were made for Hermione to come back later so they could work on some potions and let her read some books.
Hermione did come back later in the afternoon after making excuses with Ron and Harry to 'study'. Snape and Hermione worked together pleasantly enough. With no other students around he wasn't forced to act like he hated her. Conversation between the two was limited, but they didn't know how to proceed and knew it would take time.
To Be Continued...
----------
Daria-B - here's more for ya! :)
DragonFireAngelVWP - thanks!
HeavenStone - GW/HP is one of my favs also - so I'll leave it at that. ;) I can't write Snape as well as I would like to more cannon, and he is more OOC along the line. He (this story) was my first try at Snape so he was my guinea pig... now if I only had one in real life. ;)
February Dreams - I hope you got my email. I explained your question at the beginning of the story and in the email for ya. :)
Thank you Corazon for betaing!
Author's Note: I want to give warning this story is/will be very AU (Another Universe) it does not stay true to what JK Rowling said is possible but I tried to keep the characters true though, best I can at least!
Hidden Truths
Chapter 6
Severus was glad when his last class on Friday ended. He hoped to get some reading done that night. He didn't expect to be summoned this weekend because of the last one was brutal. Voldemort had a habit of giving him two weeks recovery when he tortured Severus so badly. Severus was still being tested for his loyalty with Voldemort for the past three years. With the little information Severus had gathered over the years, he wondered if it was worth still playing spy. Voldemort apparently did not trust Severus so he would not be getting any information that could help kill the dark wizard.
Severus sat in his sitting room with a fire crackling in the stone fireplace as he read the latest potions book. It was around 10pm when Severus' Dark Mark burned sharply. Instantly Severus groaned in frustration and pain. What was the bastard going to do this time? Severus changed into his Death Eater robes and grabbed the silver mask from it hiding place. With a short note to Dumbledore informing him that Severus was being called, he left Hogwarts grounds and apparated to wherever the Dark Mark led him to.
"Ssseveruss, sssooo good of you to join uss," a voice hissed behind him.
Severus turned toward the voice to face a snake-like looking man with small red eyes, with no nose just two small slits in the middle of his face for nostrils and no lips for the mouth. Dropping to his knees and crawling to Voldemort's robes kissing them, he was whispering, "Master," before crawling back and standing again.
"What may I do to serve you Master?" Severus asked in his silky voice. How Snape hated doing these things. He sometimes couldn't believe his stupidity when he first joined the Death Eaters.
Red eyes gleamed with pleasure and a smile tried to appear on the non-existent lips, "You can wither in pain."
"Crucio!"
Severus collapsed to the ground in pain with his muscles on fire, and his veins felt like they were going to explode. He tried to stay silent but was unable to; small gasps of pain could be heard from the withering man. Hours later it seemed but in reality minutes passed before he was let out of the curse. Time passed slowly as more painful curses and more doses of the Cruciatus curse was delivered. An hour after Severus' arrival, Voldemort approached the man and kicked him hard in the ribs several times before stopping. Voldemort let Wormtail take a few kicks and punches himself before Voldemort called the man off.
"Sseverus, why do you keep coming to me when I call you?"
Gasping between breathes, "Because I am loyal to you Master."
"We shall see," Voldemort said before taking a knife out of his robes and stabbing Severus in his right shoulder but avoiding doing permanent damage.
Severus gritted his teeth to stop the moan of pain wanting to escape his lips.
"Until nexxxt time," Voldemort hissed and then disparated.
Severus laid on the ground unmoving for a minute to gather enough strength and to focus while he tempted to apparate back to Hogwarts. The world was blank for a moment before the gates of Hogwarts appeared in front of him. Severus slowly climbed to his feet and started to walk to the castle. With his right shoulder bleeding badly he was not able to put a charm on it with his wand hand, his right hand. He knew Pomfrey would be his first stop to heal him since he told Hermione to never return. 'When did I start referring to Granger as Hermione' he thought. It was a slow process walking to the castle with the after effects of all the curses. Finally reaching the doors to the castle, he pushed it open with his left arm and walked in as they shut behind him.
Severus felt a hand go around his waist and he turned to see Hermione. His regret came full force to him now. Hermione was still willing to help him even after he was a complete and utter bastard to her. He allowed her to support some of his weight on his left side.
"Hospital Wing or quarters?"
"Quarters, please."
Hearing the please escape Snape's lips surprised Hermione. She was also surprised to receive an owl one hour before letting her know of Snape's summons. Dumbledore let her know he didn't expect Snape to be summoned for at least another week, but when she got the owl she prepared and waited for his return. When she saw him he was in the same condition as last time but only the stab wound appeared on his right shoulder - his wand arm she knew.
Unconceivable to Severus he wanted to apologize for his behavior last week. It was out of character for him but he knew she deserved it. So gathering his strength and humility he said, "I apologize for last week, Ms. Granger."
Being taken aback she responded, "It's all right."
Snape wasted some more energy and shook his head, "No."
Hermione stayed quiet, she didn't want to make him waste more energy arguing with her. They got to his door but he was unable to take down the wards...
"Same as last week," Snape spoke softly.
Hermione took her right arm from his waist, grabbed her wand and performed the same movements as he did the previous week. Once they were in his chambers she settled him on his bed and did what was becoming routine for her. Removing his clothes save his boxer shorts with a flick of her wand. Hermione healed his ribs to let him breath easier and went to the Potions lab to prepare the two potions needed. Even though she didn't ask this time she assumed it would be all right, since he knew he would need them.
Severus watched Hermione apply the potions needed to heal him and use her wand to heal his other wounds. He was determined to stay awake while she did this. He had always fallen asleep before, so with great effort he stayed awake until she was done.
Hermione was a bit unnerved as Snape watched her attend to him. She could see his black irises stare at her. She avoided direct eye contact with him while she healed him. After she was done she went to his wardrobe and grabbed a pair of pajama bottoms leaving the top there because he couldn't wear it with his shoulder. She spelled the pants on him and made sure there was a glass of water, more healing potions and some towels on the night stand within arms reach. Even though he might need more potion for his wound, she was sure he could apply it himself. He would be mad if she tempted to stay the night like she wanted, to make sure he would be okay. She made to leave, knowing he was still awake she said, "Goodnight sir."
Severus could hear her say goodnight as he was about to fall asleep himself, but managed to whisper, "Stay."
Hermione was already walking out of the bedroom door when she thought she heard Snape say, 'stay'. She was about to ask him what he said, but noticed he was sleeping. Seeing him sleep so peaceful she made the decision to stay. If he yelled at her in the morning, 'oh well' she thought. It wouldn't be anything new to her. She knew she should inform Dumbledore how he was, but it could wait until morning.
~~~~~
Severus woke up the next morning a little before dawn. While his body was sore as last time there was no pain again. Severus remembered her taking great care and time in healing him. He never expected Hermione to spend so much time in healing him. He figured she did it quickly and left, but having observed her proved him wrong. She had checked the bruises and did a spell to make sure nothing more serious was under it and then healed him. The magic she was doing was advanced for a student and he knew it took her strength to heal him. When she cleaned and healed his shoulder she was so gentle in her touch. That's when he remembered telling her to stay. He looked over to the chair and there she was. His eyes adjusted to the dark so he could make her features out fine. The Glamoure Charm had worn off again. The little light coming from the early dawn light filtered in and gave her an unearthly look. She almost appeared like... he tried to think of a different word than what his mind had automatically supplied but only angel seemed to fit.
Severus continued to watch Hermione sleep as the sunlight shone gradually over time. Soon he could tell she was going to wake up as she was starting to stir with the disturbance of light on her face. He watched as her eyes started to flutter open and her gaze fell onto him. By now he sat up against the headboard relaxing. He didn't say anything, but followed her movements to the side of his bed. She tore her gaze from his eyes and checked his shoulder. With her fingers on his skin, he was feeling the tips caress the small pale scar that was left. He was surprised at her gentle touch again. No one but Pomfrey had ever touched him so and yet even Pomfrey was never this gentle. When the fingers dropped off his skin he almost felt like whimpering at the lost of her touch.
Hermione sat down on Snape's bed after checking his shoulder, her eyes met his again and she asked quietly, fearing to break the peace between them so far, "How do you feel?"
Answering honestly, "Sore."
"Do you need me to get anything for you?"
"No, I can get it."
Both were talking in such soft tones if some one wasn't close enough you would think they were just staring at each other.
"Are you hungry?"
Snape nodded an affirmative.
"I'll order you breakfast than leave you be," Hermione said walking out of the room.
"Please order yourself breakfast too. We need to talk."
Hermione paused in the doorway and looked at him for a moment before nodding. Hermione went to the fireplace in the sitting room and called for a house elf and placed the orders. He told the little creature it was for Professor Snape thinking they would know what he would want.
Within minutes a tray appeared in the hands of the house elf before Hermione. She took the tray that was full of food and coffee. "Thank you," she offered.
The elf nodded and left without a word.
Hermione took the tray back into the bedroom and found Snape still sitting up in bed. She put the tray on the bed and pulled over the chair she had slept in closer to the bed. Snape already took his plate and a cup of coffee, placing the pot onto the nightstand. Hermione took her plate and placing the cup of orange juice on the nightstand beside her and they both ate in silence for a few moments.
"I apologize for my temper last week," Snape finally broke the silence.
"And I said it was all right last night. You have no reason to apologize."
Silence reigned over them again. Severus stole glances at Hermione every couple of seconds. After a few more minutes Severus asked, "Why did you wear the Glamoure Charm when helping me?"
Hermione looked up from her plate to answer him. "The first night I was wearing it because I planned on a doing a joke with a friend, but backed out. I was heading to Gryffindor Tower when I saw you."
"Why did you keep helping me?"
"Because I asked Professor Dumbledore if I could since you were allowing no one else. Even though I forced you to accept my help the first few times." Hermione grinned a little.
"And the continuation of wearing the charm?"
"Because I knew what your reaction would be if you knew it was me," Hermione looked at him pointedly.
"Point taken and I apologize again."
"Three apologies from Professor Snape within 12 hours. I do believe I'm going to faint," she teased.
Severus was surprised she was teasing him. Even the other Professors wouldn't do that, only Dumbledore would. He liked it and seeing it helped her relax while near him.
Hermione didn't know why she was teasing him but she felt comfortable around him now. She would never have considered doing that before talking with him. She was surprised at the way he was acting toward her. He wasn't being the bastard she knew in class and she liked it. His voice was even sexier when he was talking politely to her. She tried to block that train of thought immediately since she was having breakfast with him still in bed with no shirt on. She could feel her cheeks begin to heat up with a blush. Hermione cursed herself after stealing another glance at him. His hair was bed raddled. Her fingers itched to run through it, and she knew his hair wasn't greasy as Ron and Harry said. She never did think that, but instead it was soft and silky. She ran her fingers through his hair a few times while he slept on other nights, but she barely touched his hair really, not the way she really wanted to.
"Ms. Granger, I'm curious how did you learn the healing spells and potions?" Snape asked finishing his breakfast putting it on the tray.
"I read some books in the library."
Severus was a bit startled that she learned all that by just reading a book? Most people needed to be shown in person and read the book before getting it right. His respect for the witch just increased. "Thank you for all your help."
Hermione could hear the sincerity in his voice, "Your welcome, Professor." Hermione put her empty plate on the tray also.
Severus felt he was indebted to her now, but he wondered what he could do to repay her. He only knew several personal things about her; she was caring, brilliant, friends with the two worse troublemakers and she loved to learn. Perhaps she would like to read some of the books he owned that were not available in the library and ask if there was something else she might like.
"Ms. Granger I feel as if I'm in your debt..."
Surprisingly she interrupted, "Sir, you're not in my debt."
"Maybe according to you but I see it differently. So as I know you are such a know-it-all," humor could be heard in his voice, "I was thinking you would like to read some of my books that are not available in the library."
Excitement spread throughout Hermione, "I would love too!"
Severus chuckled silently. She was the only other person, besides himself who appeared to love reading as much. "Then you are welcome to them, but I'm sure I don't have to tell you not to let others seem them."
"Of course. If you want I can read them here when helping you," Hermione was unsure of what she offered. She was kind of hoping to spend more time with him.
"How about anytime you wish to read you can come here. I'll inform you of the wards when they are changed," Severus didn't know what possessed him to make such an offer, but the two were talking so nicely it just seemed right. Another idea struck him, "Would you care to assist me now and then with potions?"
A bolt of pleasure shot through Hermione and she smiled like an angel, "I would be honored too."
"Very well."
And soon plans were made for Hermione to come back later so they could work on some potions and let her read some books.
Hermione did come back later in the afternoon after making excuses with Ron and Harry to 'study'. Snape and Hermione worked together pleasantly enough. With no other students around he wasn't forced to act like he hated her. Conversation between the two was limited, but they didn't know how to proceed and knew it would take time.
To Be Continued...
----------
Daria-B - here's more for ya! :)
DragonFireAngelVWP - thanks!
HeavenStone - GW/HP is one of my favs also - so I'll leave it at that. ;) I can't write Snape as well as I would like to more cannon, and he is more OOC along the line. He (this story) was my first try at Snape so he was my guinea pig... now if I only had one in real life. ;)
February Dreams - I hope you got my email. I explained your question at the beginning of the story and in the email for ya. :)
