Disclaimor: All things Harry Potter belong to J.K. Rowling.
Thank you Corazon for beta reading!
Be warned: I am in a sadistic mood right now! For those who wish to avoid this mood avoid this chapter until the NEXT chapter is posted.... *evil grin* though that might be um... later this week! ;)
If anyone wants to receive an email for when this story is updated email me at metamusem@aol.com I link directly to the newest chapter.
Hidden Truths
Chapter 14
"Your parents are here?" Harry asked amazed.
"Yea, Dumbledore and my parents arranged it as a present for me. It was a shock to see them when I entered his office."
"And Snape was sent as the messenger boy?" Ron laughed, "I love it."
Hermione hid her true desire and made sure she didn't pop Ron upside the head. "So, I'll be staying in the suite until my parents leave. Dumbledore said we could have our meals there too."
"Bloody brilliant." Ron cheered.
Hermione led her three friends to the suite to introduce her parents. They met a few times briefly when they took her to Diagon Alley for shopping, but that had been years ago. Once inside the three gawked at the size of the place. Just inside the door, it led to a huge sitting room with two beige couches facing each other in front of the fireplace. Facing the fireplace were two overstuffed blue chairs with an end table between them. Another part of the area was a long dining table able to seat ten people. Doors led off to the private bedrooms and another to a guest bathroom.
"This place is great Hermione," Harry exclaimed.
"Yes it is."
"Hermione, back so soon?" Candace asked coming out of her room.
"Yea mum. You know my friends, Harry, Ron and Ginny. Guys you know my mum Candace."
All said hi and greeted each other and the process took place again with Hermione's father when he came out. Soon the four Gryffindors were sitting before the fireplace on the couches playing Wizard's Chess. When they heard flames come alive in the fireplace and Severus stepped out, Hermione's three friends were in shock.
"Do shut your mouths, you look like gaping fish." To Hermione: "Ms. Granger," with a curt nod and a small smirk.
"Professor," Hermione had her own little smile.
And Severus walked over to the dining table, which was occupied with the Grangers.
"Hermione, what is he doing here?" Ron asked in a loud whisper.
"He's here to have dinner with my parents and I. And you guys if you want to stay," she put a face of hope on.
"Why though?" Harry asked this time.
"Because Dumbledore asked him."
"Dumbledore is going mental," Ron murmured.
"So are you having dinner with us?" Hermione asked.
"Yes we are," Ginny answered for everyone.
Dinner at first was tense, but everyone soon relaxed, well at least a little bit. Severus and the Grangers sat at one end of the table and talked. The four friends sat at the other end and talked. They asked why Fawkes was in the suite with them and Hermione said if Dumbledore was needed for anything that Fawkes could get him the fastest. The others accepted this answer.
Over the next couple of days Hermione stayed in the suite. Harry, Ron and Ginny were with her sometimes or just Ginny while the boys played Quidditch. When it was just Hermione and her parents, Severus sometimes joined them and Hermione would learn more about her family history.
The meals weren't so bad, Dumbledore attended a few and during those Harry sat next to him, Hermione next to Severus, Ginny on her other side and Ron on Harry's other side. Her parents usually sat on Dumbledore's other side also. During the few times Hermione would tease Severus under the table by running her hand up his thigh, but he would always return the favor. A few times Hermione and Severus could be in her own room and they would talk privately. Kissing and cuddling were the limits for them, they didn't want to push it too far with her parents around.
~~~~~
Christmas Eve was spent all day in the suite. Severus talked with Hermione's parents mostly when he was there. He was present more because they expected it to happen very soon. The day was pleasant for the most part. Dinner was another lively event though. They all sat closer and Hermione took the seat next to Severus much to her pleasure, because the other three wouldn't dare sit next to him.
Halfway though dinner Hermione's headache was getting worse, she knew it was starting. "Mum, it's beginning." Hermione interrupted everyone.
"It'll be all right." Candace stated standing up.
Severus squeezed her hand briefly before standing himself and walking over to the phoenix, "Fawkes, please get Albus." And Fawkes ablaze a ball of fire and disappeared.
By now the three Gryffindors were asking - demanding to know what was starting mostly Harry and Ron though. Both Grangers tried to calm them down but weren't having any luck.
Severus quickly strode in front of the three standing Gryffindors, "Quiet!"
The three shut up. Reed had made the table disappear along with the chairs and food. They guided Hermione to the center of the area.
"Potter, Weasleys move to the other side of the room now," Severus left no room for argument.
The Grangers and Severus started putting up shields surrounding Hermione. They continued to put them up and move over near the students and put more shields up. Hermione stood still in the middle of the room watching her parents and lover do this. She glanced at her friends, she could tell they were confused and worried. "Guys, it's all right."
"Hermione what's going on?" Harry asked.
"I can't explain right now, but listen to my parents and Professor Snape."
Harry was about to try again, but was interrupted.
Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall found themselves next to the three students. "Severus, are you finished with the shields?" Dumbledore asked.
"Yes," Severus wasn't taking his eyes off Hermione.
Dumbledore turned to McGonagall and the students, "Whatever happens is to be kept a secret and no one is to leave these shields until I say. Is that clear?" A forceful voice demanded.
The students nodded.
"How long does it take?" Dumbledore asked Candace.
"Five to fifteen minutes after the first shot of..." she drifted off. "Hermione's could be different. She will have the strongest change of all in my family."
"What is going on?" McGonagall finally demanded.
"Minerva, I wish I could..."
Dumbledore was cut off by a scream of pain from Hermione as she fell to her knees. Harry, Ron and Ginny tried to get to her, but Dumbledore and the Grangers physical held them back.
"If you go near her, you will die. Stay in the shields," Candace said firmly.
"What is going on?" Harry asked again. But he received no answer as everyone is focused on Hermione.
Hermione was now lying on her side, knees brought to her chest. She was crying in pain and moaning as daggers of pain shot through her body. Over the next couple of minutes more screams and moans were released and they got worse. "It's getting worse than it was for me and she's just beginning." Candace told her husband.
"She'll be fine. She takes after her mother," Reed hugged his wife.
Hermione opened her eyes, the white was glowing brightly, the brown was a deeper chocolate color and they locked on Severus. Her body convulsed with pain. It was as if fire was scorching her mind and body leaving nothing but hot aches. Her bones were shattering into powdery substance, flesh repeatedly being torn from her body leaving nothing but her red muscle sinew. Waves of heat so encompassing it spread from her chest to her limbs followed by extreme cold that would slowly creep through dissipating the heat but replacing it with bitterness of the harshest winter. It felt like she was being held down forcibly and stabbed repeatedly by a half dozen knifes. Instinctively she knew there was a way to reduce the pain marginally. She reached out her hand to him, wanting him. Her lips were moving, but no sound but pain was escaping them. After several long seconds a name was formed. "Severus."
Severus took a step forward, but a hand clasped on his shoulder stopping him, "No Severus." Dumbledore said. Severus looked at Dumbledore and glared at him for a second before returning his gaze back onto Hermione. Severus' heart and body ached watching his lover go through such pain. Candace had said it only felt like a minor Cruciatus curse to her thus believing it would be more to Hermione, but Severus could tell it was far worse than anyone could have imagined. And it only seemed to get worse with time.
Everyone was surprised by what they saw from Hermione and between Dumbledore and Severus. No one was talking though they were all watching Hermione.
"Severus..." Hermione gasped again in pain.
The hand on Severus' shoulder tightened.
Hermione was still reaching for him, whispering his name a few more times.
"I need to Albus," Severus growled.
"No!"
"She's been there for me, I will be there for her!" Severus demanded.
"You can't, it'll kill you," Dumbledore explained.
Shaking his head no, "Nothing within Hermione would hurt me!" Something inside him told him he would be safe, that he could help his angel.
At the end of his last word Hermione screamed at the top of her lungs, "SEVERUS!" as a pain ripped through her already withering body.
Severus broke free from Dumbledore's hold and went to Hermione; he sat down legs spread wide. He pulled her up back against him and engulfed her with his arms. Upon touching her and holding her he felt pain rip through his body almost as bad as the Cruciatus curse, but he ignored the pain since it was nothing compared to what Hermione was going through and he was determined to do anything he could for her.
"Severus, get back here!" Dumbledore yelled, he took a step forward and this time it was Reed's hand on Dumbledore's shoulder.
"You can't," he spoke softly.
Hermione's head rested on Severus' shoulder, he was softly kissing her forehead murmuring repeatedly everything would be all right. Over the next few minutes Hermione released more heart wrenching screams of pain. Severus tried to soothe her with words of love and soft kisses on her head. Hermione turned her head more toward Severus and kissed him deeply. The passion in the kiss equaled their kisses they shared when only making love. Everyone watched in shock as the two kissed, no one knew what was going on except Dumbledore.
As they continued to kiss, a bright light surrounded them both. The light was too bright for everyone to keep their eyes open. As the light faded the observers noticed Severus and Hermione laying down looking unconscious.
Dumbledore cancelled all the shields and went to Severus' side leaving the Grangers to look upon Hermione who was still tightly clasped in Severus' arms.
"Is he dead...?" Candace asked.
To Be Continued...
----------
Samhain - here's more! ;)
DragonFireAngelVWP - well I finally showed what happened on Hermione's 18th magical birthday... hehe
sakhara291 - I know I didn't explain the clearly... hehe Yes it was on purpose after I read what I did.. I first wrote it then realized it and kept it that way hehe... and thanks for the review!
Selania - Sorry about the cliffy... ;)
Gemz - I could have done more with Hermione's parents explaining but I wanted to keep it vague for a reason... Plus if I went more into it it would have been longer and the story is long enough! lol :)
Daria-B - I promised... soon... didn't say how soon though! *evil grin* and you do seem a bit hyper... but I don't blame ya.. I'm still on the high from the Nitro 2 Go energy pills I bought at work. lol
Thank you Corazon for beta reading!
Be warned: I am in a sadistic mood right now! For those who wish to avoid this mood avoid this chapter until the NEXT chapter is posted.... *evil grin* though that might be um... later this week! ;)
If anyone wants to receive an email for when this story is updated email me at metamusem@aol.com I link directly to the newest chapter.
Hidden Truths
Chapter 14
"Your parents are here?" Harry asked amazed.
"Yea, Dumbledore and my parents arranged it as a present for me. It was a shock to see them when I entered his office."
"And Snape was sent as the messenger boy?" Ron laughed, "I love it."
Hermione hid her true desire and made sure she didn't pop Ron upside the head. "So, I'll be staying in the suite until my parents leave. Dumbledore said we could have our meals there too."
"Bloody brilliant." Ron cheered.
Hermione led her three friends to the suite to introduce her parents. They met a few times briefly when they took her to Diagon Alley for shopping, but that had been years ago. Once inside the three gawked at the size of the place. Just inside the door, it led to a huge sitting room with two beige couches facing each other in front of the fireplace. Facing the fireplace were two overstuffed blue chairs with an end table between them. Another part of the area was a long dining table able to seat ten people. Doors led off to the private bedrooms and another to a guest bathroom.
"This place is great Hermione," Harry exclaimed.
"Yes it is."
"Hermione, back so soon?" Candace asked coming out of her room.
"Yea mum. You know my friends, Harry, Ron and Ginny. Guys you know my mum Candace."
All said hi and greeted each other and the process took place again with Hermione's father when he came out. Soon the four Gryffindors were sitting before the fireplace on the couches playing Wizard's Chess. When they heard flames come alive in the fireplace and Severus stepped out, Hermione's three friends were in shock.
"Do shut your mouths, you look like gaping fish." To Hermione: "Ms. Granger," with a curt nod and a small smirk.
"Professor," Hermione had her own little smile.
And Severus walked over to the dining table, which was occupied with the Grangers.
"Hermione, what is he doing here?" Ron asked in a loud whisper.
"He's here to have dinner with my parents and I. And you guys if you want to stay," she put a face of hope on.
"Why though?" Harry asked this time.
"Because Dumbledore asked him."
"Dumbledore is going mental," Ron murmured.
"So are you having dinner with us?" Hermione asked.
"Yes we are," Ginny answered for everyone.
Dinner at first was tense, but everyone soon relaxed, well at least a little bit. Severus and the Grangers sat at one end of the table and talked. The four friends sat at the other end and talked. They asked why Fawkes was in the suite with them and Hermione said if Dumbledore was needed for anything that Fawkes could get him the fastest. The others accepted this answer.
Over the next couple of days Hermione stayed in the suite. Harry, Ron and Ginny were with her sometimes or just Ginny while the boys played Quidditch. When it was just Hermione and her parents, Severus sometimes joined them and Hermione would learn more about her family history.
The meals weren't so bad, Dumbledore attended a few and during those Harry sat next to him, Hermione next to Severus, Ginny on her other side and Ron on Harry's other side. Her parents usually sat on Dumbledore's other side also. During the few times Hermione would tease Severus under the table by running her hand up his thigh, but he would always return the favor. A few times Hermione and Severus could be in her own room and they would talk privately. Kissing and cuddling were the limits for them, they didn't want to push it too far with her parents around.
~~~~~
Christmas Eve was spent all day in the suite. Severus talked with Hermione's parents mostly when he was there. He was present more because they expected it to happen very soon. The day was pleasant for the most part. Dinner was another lively event though. They all sat closer and Hermione took the seat next to Severus much to her pleasure, because the other three wouldn't dare sit next to him.
Halfway though dinner Hermione's headache was getting worse, she knew it was starting. "Mum, it's beginning." Hermione interrupted everyone.
"It'll be all right." Candace stated standing up.
Severus squeezed her hand briefly before standing himself and walking over to the phoenix, "Fawkes, please get Albus." And Fawkes ablaze a ball of fire and disappeared.
By now the three Gryffindors were asking - demanding to know what was starting mostly Harry and Ron though. Both Grangers tried to calm them down but weren't having any luck.
Severus quickly strode in front of the three standing Gryffindors, "Quiet!"
The three shut up. Reed had made the table disappear along with the chairs and food. They guided Hermione to the center of the area.
"Potter, Weasleys move to the other side of the room now," Severus left no room for argument.
The Grangers and Severus started putting up shields surrounding Hermione. They continued to put them up and move over near the students and put more shields up. Hermione stood still in the middle of the room watching her parents and lover do this. She glanced at her friends, she could tell they were confused and worried. "Guys, it's all right."
"Hermione what's going on?" Harry asked.
"I can't explain right now, but listen to my parents and Professor Snape."
Harry was about to try again, but was interrupted.
Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall found themselves next to the three students. "Severus, are you finished with the shields?" Dumbledore asked.
"Yes," Severus wasn't taking his eyes off Hermione.
Dumbledore turned to McGonagall and the students, "Whatever happens is to be kept a secret and no one is to leave these shields until I say. Is that clear?" A forceful voice demanded.
The students nodded.
"How long does it take?" Dumbledore asked Candace.
"Five to fifteen minutes after the first shot of..." she drifted off. "Hermione's could be different. She will have the strongest change of all in my family."
"What is going on?" McGonagall finally demanded.
"Minerva, I wish I could..."
Dumbledore was cut off by a scream of pain from Hermione as she fell to her knees. Harry, Ron and Ginny tried to get to her, but Dumbledore and the Grangers physical held them back.
"If you go near her, you will die. Stay in the shields," Candace said firmly.
"What is going on?" Harry asked again. But he received no answer as everyone is focused on Hermione.
Hermione was now lying on her side, knees brought to her chest. She was crying in pain and moaning as daggers of pain shot through her body. Over the next couple of minutes more screams and moans were released and they got worse. "It's getting worse than it was for me and she's just beginning." Candace told her husband.
"She'll be fine. She takes after her mother," Reed hugged his wife.
Hermione opened her eyes, the white was glowing brightly, the brown was a deeper chocolate color and they locked on Severus. Her body convulsed with pain. It was as if fire was scorching her mind and body leaving nothing but hot aches. Her bones were shattering into powdery substance, flesh repeatedly being torn from her body leaving nothing but her red muscle sinew. Waves of heat so encompassing it spread from her chest to her limbs followed by extreme cold that would slowly creep through dissipating the heat but replacing it with bitterness of the harshest winter. It felt like she was being held down forcibly and stabbed repeatedly by a half dozen knifes. Instinctively she knew there was a way to reduce the pain marginally. She reached out her hand to him, wanting him. Her lips were moving, but no sound but pain was escaping them. After several long seconds a name was formed. "Severus."
Severus took a step forward, but a hand clasped on his shoulder stopping him, "No Severus." Dumbledore said. Severus looked at Dumbledore and glared at him for a second before returning his gaze back onto Hermione. Severus' heart and body ached watching his lover go through such pain. Candace had said it only felt like a minor Cruciatus curse to her thus believing it would be more to Hermione, but Severus could tell it was far worse than anyone could have imagined. And it only seemed to get worse with time.
Everyone was surprised by what they saw from Hermione and between Dumbledore and Severus. No one was talking though they were all watching Hermione.
"Severus..." Hermione gasped again in pain.
The hand on Severus' shoulder tightened.
Hermione was still reaching for him, whispering his name a few more times.
"I need to Albus," Severus growled.
"No!"
"She's been there for me, I will be there for her!" Severus demanded.
"You can't, it'll kill you," Dumbledore explained.
Shaking his head no, "Nothing within Hermione would hurt me!" Something inside him told him he would be safe, that he could help his angel.
At the end of his last word Hermione screamed at the top of her lungs, "SEVERUS!" as a pain ripped through her already withering body.
Severus broke free from Dumbledore's hold and went to Hermione; he sat down legs spread wide. He pulled her up back against him and engulfed her with his arms. Upon touching her and holding her he felt pain rip through his body almost as bad as the Cruciatus curse, but he ignored the pain since it was nothing compared to what Hermione was going through and he was determined to do anything he could for her.
"Severus, get back here!" Dumbledore yelled, he took a step forward and this time it was Reed's hand on Dumbledore's shoulder.
"You can't," he spoke softly.
Hermione's head rested on Severus' shoulder, he was softly kissing her forehead murmuring repeatedly everything would be all right. Over the next few minutes Hermione released more heart wrenching screams of pain. Severus tried to soothe her with words of love and soft kisses on her head. Hermione turned her head more toward Severus and kissed him deeply. The passion in the kiss equaled their kisses they shared when only making love. Everyone watched in shock as the two kissed, no one knew what was going on except Dumbledore.
As they continued to kiss, a bright light surrounded them both. The light was too bright for everyone to keep their eyes open. As the light faded the observers noticed Severus and Hermione laying down looking unconscious.
Dumbledore cancelled all the shields and went to Severus' side leaving the Grangers to look upon Hermione who was still tightly clasped in Severus' arms.
"Is he dead...?" Candace asked.
To Be Continued...
----------
Samhain - here's more! ;)
DragonFireAngelVWP - well I finally showed what happened on Hermione's 18th magical birthday... hehe
sakhara291 - I know I didn't explain the clearly... hehe Yes it was on purpose after I read what I did.. I first wrote it then realized it and kept it that way hehe... and thanks for the review!
Selania - Sorry about the cliffy... ;)
Gemz - I could have done more with Hermione's parents explaining but I wanted to keep it vague for a reason... Plus if I went more into it it would have been longer and the story is long enough! lol :)
Daria-B - I promised... soon... didn't say how soon though! *evil grin* and you do seem a bit hyper... but I don't blame ya.. I'm still on the high from the Nitro 2 Go energy pills I bought at work. lol
