Disclaimor: All things Harry Potter belong to J.K. Rowling.
Thank you Corazon for all your help and advice with this story and beta reading it!
Hidden Truths
Chapter 25
Hermione went down to the dungeons and into Severus' quarters. While she was looking forward to going to bed they had a few things to talk about first. She searched his chambers but there was no sign of him so Hermione pulled out some schoolwork and started it. A little while later, Severus came in through his office entrance, Hermione put her work away and went over to him. After a deep long kiss Hermione pulled him to the couch with his back to her and she started to massage his neck and shoulders. "You feeling all right Severus?"
"Yes, I'm just hating that Draco is being pulled in deeper. I was hoping it would have waited at least until his graduation before he was called."
"I understand. But at least you will be with him," Hermione offered.
"I'm surprised at that even. Voldemort must be planning something to risk Draco."
"Is He starting to trust you more? With Malfoy being with you now he wouldn't risk him unless he trusted you a little, I would think."
"Your quick intelligence is sharp tonight I see. And you're right. Voldemort has no reason to risk Draco, a loyal Death Eater's son to me if he still suspected of me spying. Hermione, thank you for helping him when the time comes."
"If he's on our side then I'm willing to help him. We still have bad blood between us but it is childish in light of what he will be facing."
"How did Ms. Weasley take the idea?"
Hermione stopped rubbing his shoulders by now and leaned back against the arm of the couch and kept him within her arms. "Good. She's willing to help; I gave her my notes to study on healing charms already. And tomorrow we will practice the invisibility spell. But I'll need your help creating something, maybe a bracelet so that I can let her know when she is needed if I can't find her immediately."
"Why? When we get called it's past hours, she should be in bed by then or least in the common room," Severus deducted.
"Lover, where am I past hours when you are not called?" she teased.
"With me."
"And in essence you are my boyfriend, though definitely not a boy. But anyways where could Ginny be if not in bed or in the common room?"
Scowling took over Severus' features, "Potter."
"No getting an attitude. They are a couple and wish to be alone sometimes. That is why I'm asking for a bracelet or something with a charm on it so I can signal Ginny when needed."
"I shall work on it. Get a piece of jewelry she wears often and I'll give it back Thursday. I have a feeling Friday night will be a meeting. Voldemort is smart enough not to call Draco when he has classes the next day."
"Ginny and I will be ready. I'll be focusing on Malfoy though, he will not be used to the pain and I don't want Ginny getting too nervous."
"And if she does? I'll be on the receiving end of her foul ups," Severus sneered.
"She won't mess up. I'll be there watching as I'm helping Malfoy."
"Don't be getting too comfortable with Mr. Malfoy," Severus' jealousy was showing. He hated the idea of Hermione touching Malfoy like she does him.
"Severus is that jealousy I hear?" Hermione teased.
"I remember the care you administered before we were together. I'm not looking forward to the idea of you doing the same to Mr. Malfoy."
Hermione smiled for some reason having Severus jealous over her was a rush to her. She put her lips above his ear, "Relax lover. Malfoy is not my type and I don't have a crush on him as I did you when helping. Besides, you leave me satisfied, always."
Severus turned over and pulled Hermione under him on the couch. "Malfoy's not your type? Most women would find him desirable."
"I admit he's good looking but my tastes run the opposite of him." Hermione's hands rubbed his back.
"Care to clarify that?" Severus asked hovering over her leaning on his elbows.
"Malfoy is too pretty. He looks like an angel. Now some woman like that look but for me I like the darker look. Blondes seem too sweet. Someone with dark hair and more rigid features other than the baby boy look is what I like." Hermione purposely described Severus.
"So you find Black and Lupin attractive?" Jealousy was apparent again.
"I don't know. I never really looked at them."
"But you just described them," Severus scowled.
Hermione looked at her lover. He knew she loved him but must not know how incredibly sexy she thought of him, "Severus get up."
Puzzlement was his reaction, "What?"
"Stand up."
Severus got off Hermione and stood up. Hermione followed, and took his hand, pulling him to the bathroom. She stopped in front of the mirror and they stood side by side.
"Severus, I didn't describe other men. I described you. Dark hair, rigid features. Don't you know I find you sexy?"
"Hermione, I know you love me. My looks are not attractive but you seem to be all right with them."
Hermione sat on the marble countertop and wrapped her legs around his waist to bring him closer. "Severus, have you ever considered why I started to like you? Or took such time in healing you?"
"No and because you're compassionate and caring."
"And do you think I would give the same care I gave you to Malfoy?"
"I would hope not."
"Severus, Malfoy will get my same attention, but not the same touch I gave you. I gave you the touch I did because I developed a crush on you before you knew who I was. Your looks and your bravery were the things I based that crush on. Believe me when I say I find you sexy and I love how you look," Hermione caressed several fingers down his jaw.
Severus stared into Hermione's eyes before capturing her mouth in a long, drugging kiss. Between gasps for air Hermione whispered, "Bed." Severus obeyed her command, placed his hands under her thighs and carried her to bed.
~~~~~
The rest of the week Hermione and Ginny went over healing charms and the invisibility spell. Thursday, Hermione gave Ginny her necklace that Severus put a charm on it so Hermione only needed to say a simple spell to make the necklace heat up a little to get Ginny's attention. Hermione would first look in the common room, then Ginny's room and then do the spell if need be. If the necklace heated up, Ginny knew to immediately go to Hermione's bedroom.
Ginny knew the likelihood of Severus and Draco being called that weekend and most likely on Friday night. Ginny made excuses with Harry that she wanted to study with Hermione for the weekend so it would be easier to be ready to help.
"Ginny, if potions need to be made, you can stay with the guys or help me," Hermione said after dinner.
"Which ever you decide Hermione. I'm all right at potions but better with spells and charms, you know that."
"You can help me get the cleansing potion done first than clean the wounds and I'll make the healing potion then," Hermione suggested.
"Sounds good."
"Now, onto something more relaxing... what are you and Harry doing after you finish school?"
And the girls talked for hours over different subjects. They avoided doing work because they would do that during the day and relax at night until needed. It was almost midnight when Severus told Hermione of the meetings.
*You'll be getting the owl soon, Hermione.*
~Be safe love.~
Hermione just continued to talk on until the owl came. She learned to act normal when talking with someone in person and with Severus telepathically. Dumbledore's owl came through Hermione's window and landed next to her. Hermione took the letter from the owl and read it. "Ready Ginny?"
"As I'll ever be."
Ginny and Hermione were ready with notes in hand and invisibility spells on and they headed to the Entrance Hall and waited.
~~~~~
Severus and Draco were soon in front of Voldemort, each kneeled, crawled and kissed his robes. Severus taught Draco how to fake loyalty and other skills used to hide the truth as much as possible.
"Severus, you were later than usual, care to explain?" Voldemort hissed.
"Master, I wanted to ensure young Mr. Malfoy got out of the school so he could attend," Severus drawled.
"Very considerate of you, Severus. I'm glad to see you are thinking of your fellow Death Eaters."
And the torture started. Draco screamed out more than he wanted. He tried to keep it in but he was not used to such abuse. Severus took it as usual. Voldemort decided to make it bad for both of them and told them to hurry next time being called, that he hated to wait. Unfortunately Draco was in for the same treatment as Severus. Being kicked and punched by Peter and stabbed once compared to Severus' to wounds.
After Voldemort and Peter left, Severus crawled to Draco and cast a charm to stop the bleeding. "Time to return Draco."
"I can hardly move," Draco managed to say in pain.
"I know. Grab the portkey and return," Severus instructed. Severus waited until Draco was gone before apparating to the gates of Hogwarts himself. He was glad to see Draco was there but he knew he would not be able to help the boy inside, like he hoped. *Hermione we're at the gates.*
Hermione heard Severus and looked outside, seeing both men. "Ginny, they're at the gates." Hermione and Ginny ran to them, when reaching them Hermione knew Ginny would not be able to help Draco as much as he would need. "Ginny, help the Professor."
Ginny was tentative at first when she approached the dark man but her Gryffindor courage got her over her nerves and she put an arm around his waist.
Severus accepted the help, knowing Hermione would help Draco and was proud of her. He looked at his own assistant; she was stronger than he would have given her credit for. "Thank you Ms. Weasley," he whispered. The girl nodded and continued to walk to the castle.
Hermione helped Draco stand and put her arm around him to support his weight, "Not far to go Malfoy, than you can rest."
The boy didn't talk, but just nodded, trying to conserve his energy.
The four slowly proceeded to the castle and down to the dungeons. At the door, Hermione took down the wards and entered. Severus and Hermione decided to use Severus' bed still for healing the both of them. Once both were lying down, Hermione did the charms needed and both guys were left in their underwear.
Ginny gasped at the bruises and blood on both, "Ginny, it's all right. Time to heal the ribs so they can breath easier." Ginny nodded.
Hermione did Draco first, showing Ginny, and she then healed Severus. Both men's breathing eased up. "Potions."
Hermione went to the lab and started on the first potion letting Ginny chop the ingredients. After the cleansing potion was made, Ginny cleaned the wounds while Hermione made the healing potion. Hermione then remembered Draco would have to stay the night just in case his wound bleed more in the night. She would ask Severus to make a more powerful healing potion; she mentally smacked herself for not thinking of it before. Once the healing potion was complete Hermione put the potion on all the wounds. Hermione and Ginny continued to do healing charms.
"That's all we can do, Ginny. Will you go to Dumbledore and tell him that they're all right?" Hermione asked after putting Draco under the covers with a spell and a blanket over Severus.
"Of course, do you need me to come back?"
"No, go back to the tower and sleep. Use my room if you want, you know the password."
"Talk to you tomorrow Hermione."
"Thank you for your help Ginny."
"You're welcome." Ginny left.
Hermione was sitting by Severus in the chair. Twenty minutes later Dumbledore came in. "Hello Hermione," he spoke softly.
"Professor," Hermione stayed in her chair, she was too tired to get up.
"I think it would be best to move young Draco to the spare bedroom."
This caught Hermione's attention. "Spare bedroom?" she never saw another room.
"Yes, Severus closed it off years ago. Give me a little time and I'll have it set up." Dumbledore left the room.
Another twenty minutes passed and Dumbledore was back. He floated the sleeping Draco to the other bed and instructed Hermione to get in bed with Severus and get some sleep. Draco's wounds were healed perfectly so there was no worry. Hermione was grateful for Dumbledore's help and reassurance. Soon Hermione was asleep in bed with Severus in her arms.
To Be Continued...
Fairymagic - actually they are not married. It was only a soul binding ritual kinda. Marriage is a different establishment.
Thank you Corazon for all your help and advice with this story and beta reading it!
Hidden Truths
Chapter 25
Hermione went down to the dungeons and into Severus' quarters. While she was looking forward to going to bed they had a few things to talk about first. She searched his chambers but there was no sign of him so Hermione pulled out some schoolwork and started it. A little while later, Severus came in through his office entrance, Hermione put her work away and went over to him. After a deep long kiss Hermione pulled him to the couch with his back to her and she started to massage his neck and shoulders. "You feeling all right Severus?"
"Yes, I'm just hating that Draco is being pulled in deeper. I was hoping it would have waited at least until his graduation before he was called."
"I understand. But at least you will be with him," Hermione offered.
"I'm surprised at that even. Voldemort must be planning something to risk Draco."
"Is He starting to trust you more? With Malfoy being with you now he wouldn't risk him unless he trusted you a little, I would think."
"Your quick intelligence is sharp tonight I see. And you're right. Voldemort has no reason to risk Draco, a loyal Death Eater's son to me if he still suspected of me spying. Hermione, thank you for helping him when the time comes."
"If he's on our side then I'm willing to help him. We still have bad blood between us but it is childish in light of what he will be facing."
"How did Ms. Weasley take the idea?"
Hermione stopped rubbing his shoulders by now and leaned back against the arm of the couch and kept him within her arms. "Good. She's willing to help; I gave her my notes to study on healing charms already. And tomorrow we will practice the invisibility spell. But I'll need your help creating something, maybe a bracelet so that I can let her know when she is needed if I can't find her immediately."
"Why? When we get called it's past hours, she should be in bed by then or least in the common room," Severus deducted.
"Lover, where am I past hours when you are not called?" she teased.
"With me."
"And in essence you are my boyfriend, though definitely not a boy. But anyways where could Ginny be if not in bed or in the common room?"
Scowling took over Severus' features, "Potter."
"No getting an attitude. They are a couple and wish to be alone sometimes. That is why I'm asking for a bracelet or something with a charm on it so I can signal Ginny when needed."
"I shall work on it. Get a piece of jewelry she wears often and I'll give it back Thursday. I have a feeling Friday night will be a meeting. Voldemort is smart enough not to call Draco when he has classes the next day."
"Ginny and I will be ready. I'll be focusing on Malfoy though, he will not be used to the pain and I don't want Ginny getting too nervous."
"And if she does? I'll be on the receiving end of her foul ups," Severus sneered.
"She won't mess up. I'll be there watching as I'm helping Malfoy."
"Don't be getting too comfortable with Mr. Malfoy," Severus' jealousy was showing. He hated the idea of Hermione touching Malfoy like she does him.
"Severus is that jealousy I hear?" Hermione teased.
"I remember the care you administered before we were together. I'm not looking forward to the idea of you doing the same to Mr. Malfoy."
Hermione smiled for some reason having Severus jealous over her was a rush to her. She put her lips above his ear, "Relax lover. Malfoy is not my type and I don't have a crush on him as I did you when helping. Besides, you leave me satisfied, always."
Severus turned over and pulled Hermione under him on the couch. "Malfoy's not your type? Most women would find him desirable."
"I admit he's good looking but my tastes run the opposite of him." Hermione's hands rubbed his back.
"Care to clarify that?" Severus asked hovering over her leaning on his elbows.
"Malfoy is too pretty. He looks like an angel. Now some woman like that look but for me I like the darker look. Blondes seem too sweet. Someone with dark hair and more rigid features other than the baby boy look is what I like." Hermione purposely described Severus.
"So you find Black and Lupin attractive?" Jealousy was apparent again.
"I don't know. I never really looked at them."
"But you just described them," Severus scowled.
Hermione looked at her lover. He knew she loved him but must not know how incredibly sexy she thought of him, "Severus get up."
Puzzlement was his reaction, "What?"
"Stand up."
Severus got off Hermione and stood up. Hermione followed, and took his hand, pulling him to the bathroom. She stopped in front of the mirror and they stood side by side.
"Severus, I didn't describe other men. I described you. Dark hair, rigid features. Don't you know I find you sexy?"
"Hermione, I know you love me. My looks are not attractive but you seem to be all right with them."
Hermione sat on the marble countertop and wrapped her legs around his waist to bring him closer. "Severus, have you ever considered why I started to like you? Or took such time in healing you?"
"No and because you're compassionate and caring."
"And do you think I would give the same care I gave you to Malfoy?"
"I would hope not."
"Severus, Malfoy will get my same attention, but not the same touch I gave you. I gave you the touch I did because I developed a crush on you before you knew who I was. Your looks and your bravery were the things I based that crush on. Believe me when I say I find you sexy and I love how you look," Hermione caressed several fingers down his jaw.
Severus stared into Hermione's eyes before capturing her mouth in a long, drugging kiss. Between gasps for air Hermione whispered, "Bed." Severus obeyed her command, placed his hands under her thighs and carried her to bed.
~~~~~
The rest of the week Hermione and Ginny went over healing charms and the invisibility spell. Thursday, Hermione gave Ginny her necklace that Severus put a charm on it so Hermione only needed to say a simple spell to make the necklace heat up a little to get Ginny's attention. Hermione would first look in the common room, then Ginny's room and then do the spell if need be. If the necklace heated up, Ginny knew to immediately go to Hermione's bedroom.
Ginny knew the likelihood of Severus and Draco being called that weekend and most likely on Friday night. Ginny made excuses with Harry that she wanted to study with Hermione for the weekend so it would be easier to be ready to help.
"Ginny, if potions need to be made, you can stay with the guys or help me," Hermione said after dinner.
"Which ever you decide Hermione. I'm all right at potions but better with spells and charms, you know that."
"You can help me get the cleansing potion done first than clean the wounds and I'll make the healing potion then," Hermione suggested.
"Sounds good."
"Now, onto something more relaxing... what are you and Harry doing after you finish school?"
And the girls talked for hours over different subjects. They avoided doing work because they would do that during the day and relax at night until needed. It was almost midnight when Severus told Hermione of the meetings.
*You'll be getting the owl soon, Hermione.*
~Be safe love.~
Hermione just continued to talk on until the owl came. She learned to act normal when talking with someone in person and with Severus telepathically. Dumbledore's owl came through Hermione's window and landed next to her. Hermione took the letter from the owl and read it. "Ready Ginny?"
"As I'll ever be."
Ginny and Hermione were ready with notes in hand and invisibility spells on and they headed to the Entrance Hall and waited.
~~~~~
Severus and Draco were soon in front of Voldemort, each kneeled, crawled and kissed his robes. Severus taught Draco how to fake loyalty and other skills used to hide the truth as much as possible.
"Severus, you were later than usual, care to explain?" Voldemort hissed.
"Master, I wanted to ensure young Mr. Malfoy got out of the school so he could attend," Severus drawled.
"Very considerate of you, Severus. I'm glad to see you are thinking of your fellow Death Eaters."
And the torture started. Draco screamed out more than he wanted. He tried to keep it in but he was not used to such abuse. Severus took it as usual. Voldemort decided to make it bad for both of them and told them to hurry next time being called, that he hated to wait. Unfortunately Draco was in for the same treatment as Severus. Being kicked and punched by Peter and stabbed once compared to Severus' to wounds.
After Voldemort and Peter left, Severus crawled to Draco and cast a charm to stop the bleeding. "Time to return Draco."
"I can hardly move," Draco managed to say in pain.
"I know. Grab the portkey and return," Severus instructed. Severus waited until Draco was gone before apparating to the gates of Hogwarts himself. He was glad to see Draco was there but he knew he would not be able to help the boy inside, like he hoped. *Hermione we're at the gates.*
Hermione heard Severus and looked outside, seeing both men. "Ginny, they're at the gates." Hermione and Ginny ran to them, when reaching them Hermione knew Ginny would not be able to help Draco as much as he would need. "Ginny, help the Professor."
Ginny was tentative at first when she approached the dark man but her Gryffindor courage got her over her nerves and she put an arm around his waist.
Severus accepted the help, knowing Hermione would help Draco and was proud of her. He looked at his own assistant; she was stronger than he would have given her credit for. "Thank you Ms. Weasley," he whispered. The girl nodded and continued to walk to the castle.
Hermione helped Draco stand and put her arm around him to support his weight, "Not far to go Malfoy, than you can rest."
The boy didn't talk, but just nodded, trying to conserve his energy.
The four slowly proceeded to the castle and down to the dungeons. At the door, Hermione took down the wards and entered. Severus and Hermione decided to use Severus' bed still for healing the both of them. Once both were lying down, Hermione did the charms needed and both guys were left in their underwear.
Ginny gasped at the bruises and blood on both, "Ginny, it's all right. Time to heal the ribs so they can breath easier." Ginny nodded.
Hermione did Draco first, showing Ginny, and she then healed Severus. Both men's breathing eased up. "Potions."
Hermione went to the lab and started on the first potion letting Ginny chop the ingredients. After the cleansing potion was made, Ginny cleaned the wounds while Hermione made the healing potion. Hermione then remembered Draco would have to stay the night just in case his wound bleed more in the night. She would ask Severus to make a more powerful healing potion; she mentally smacked herself for not thinking of it before. Once the healing potion was complete Hermione put the potion on all the wounds. Hermione and Ginny continued to do healing charms.
"That's all we can do, Ginny. Will you go to Dumbledore and tell him that they're all right?" Hermione asked after putting Draco under the covers with a spell and a blanket over Severus.
"Of course, do you need me to come back?"
"No, go back to the tower and sleep. Use my room if you want, you know the password."
"Talk to you tomorrow Hermione."
"Thank you for your help Ginny."
"You're welcome." Ginny left.
Hermione was sitting by Severus in the chair. Twenty minutes later Dumbledore came in. "Hello Hermione," he spoke softly.
"Professor," Hermione stayed in her chair, she was too tired to get up.
"I think it would be best to move young Draco to the spare bedroom."
This caught Hermione's attention. "Spare bedroom?" she never saw another room.
"Yes, Severus closed it off years ago. Give me a little time and I'll have it set up." Dumbledore left the room.
Another twenty minutes passed and Dumbledore was back. He floated the sleeping Draco to the other bed and instructed Hermione to get in bed with Severus and get some sleep. Draco's wounds were healed perfectly so there was no worry. Hermione was grateful for Dumbledore's help and reassurance. Soon Hermione was asleep in bed with Severus in her arms.
To Be Continued...
Fairymagic - actually they are not married. It was only a soul binding ritual kinda. Marriage is a different establishment.
