Disclaimer: All things Harry Potter belong to J.K. Rowling.
Thanks goes to Snapebbwlover for beta reading. I also owe my thanks to Estrilda for grammar beta reading for me.
I promised one this weekend... and here it is! If I don't have one up by next Saturday... email me and tell me to get off my lazy arse! :)
The Gifts of Love
Chapter 9: Protective Friends and Lover
Dumbledore, Severus, Hermione, McGonagall and Remus went to Dumbledore's office. When they all entered the office Severus pulled Hermione immediately over to a couch, keeping her close.
The other professors sat in surrounding chairs watching for a minute. "Hermione how are you feeling?"
"Better, thank you Headmaster."
Dumbledore nodded and hesitated before asking his next question. "I'm sorry to bother you about this now, but Severus how did you know Hermione was in trouble?"
Severus looked up at Albus and kept quiet. He looked back at Hermione who was looking at him. She nodded slightly and he answered. "She called to me."
"How?"
"Hermione and I didn't tell you all of the new 'gifts' we received. We left out telepathy with one another."
Dumbledore nodded and finally said. "I'm glad. I would hate to think of what could have happened."
"Hermione why didn't you use your wand?" Severus asked softly.
"I couldn't get to it."
"And the other gift?"
"I couldn't get focused and we haven't been practicing spells that would've stopped them." She fell silent for a second, "Can we practice more advanced things this weekend please? I don't want to be in that situation again," Hermione asked with fear and determination in her voice.
"Yes. You'll be learning some other things that are not taught here to defend yourself also."
McGonagall and Remus were lost by now. "Sorry to interrupt, but what other gift?" Remus asked.
Dumbledore smiled softly at the question, "Minerva, Remus, if Severus and Hermione were to tell you, you must swear never to tell anyone."
Both professors agreed and Severus explained. "Hermione and I have two other gifts."
"How?" Remus asked.
Dumbledore quickly filled Remus in on Hermione being cursed with Verus amor aut letum. Remus knew of the curse and came to realization quickly.
"And these gifts are from the curse?" Remus asked Severus.
"Yes, we found a letter after admitting our feelings for each other. It stated our new gifts, powers were to apparate anywhere without regard to apparating wards and wandless magic."
Hermione continued, "We are to get more gifts soon if our feelings are stronger than what they first were."
This shocked all three professors. The Headmaster was not aware of the last part. "What new powers will you be receiving?" Dumbledore asked.
"We don't know."
Everyone stayed quiet for a moment. No one wanted to bring up the other pressing subject. Severus knew it and whispered to Hermione, "Love, do you want to go to the suite while we talk?"
Hermione knew he was being caring and what the subject was about. The boys that attacked her, but she couldn't stand the idea of being away from Severus. "No."
Severus wanted to insist but he knew it was not wise to. Instead he put her head on his chest and held her tight while looking up to Dumbledore.
"What do you want to do with them?"
"There is only one thing to be done with them. They are out! They should know not to attack any student but attacking Hermione alone they are lucky I don't rip their heads off!" Severus let his anger show in his soft, dangerous tone, keeping himself from yelling due to Hermione in his arms.
"We'll have to say some one else stopped the attack." Dumbledore thought for a second, "Remus, can I ask you to say you stopped them?"
"Certainly."
Everyone agreed to the new story. Remus and Severus were about the same height and build, so it wouldn't be possible for the three attackers to know the difference. The boys were expelled. A show was put on while Hermione waited with McGonagall, Severus put up a fight for show, but Dumbledore quickly shut him up. Severus was thankful, he didn't know how much longer he could stand to be in the room with the three mutts.
Remus and Severus escorted the three boys to another part of the castle. House elves retrieved the boys' belongings and returned it to them. Owls were sent to their parents telling them of the incident and why they were being expelled.
After the boys left, Hermione came out and waited.
"Hermione you are welcome to stay in the suite here or with Severus," Dumbledore offered.
"With Severus please," Hermione blushed.
"Certainly. You are welcome to stay there the rest of the week while we say you stayed here. No one else is allowed so no need to worry about uninvited guests."
"Thank you sir."
"You are also excused from classes tomorrow. When Severus is in class please come to my office. I do not want you alone."
Hermione usually would be put off by being told what to do like this and missing classes but she welcomed the company. "I'll need some clothes."
"I'll escort you now dear," McGonagall said.
Hermione nodded, she still had Severus' robes around her. Her blouse and robes were discarded for being too ripped. Hermione was able to shrink his robes to fit her a bit better so they wouldn't be dragging on the ground from him being taller than she. Hermione wanted to take a shower badly but knew it would have to wait until she got to Severus' chambers. She considered changing when McGonagall and she walked to her quarters but she felt safe and comfortable in his robes. She hugged herself tight as they continued to walk.
"Miss Granger you know if you need anything you just need to ask," McGonagall said in a tender tone.
"Thank you Professor."
Hermione spoke the password to the Head Boy/Girl suite and walked in. Draco, Ginny, Harry and Ron were all there. They immediately approached Hermione worried.
"'Mione where were you?" -- "Are you all right?" Harry and Ron asked instantly.
Ginny saw what she was wearing and saw how disheveled Hermione looked and knew she just needed comfort. Draco looked directly at Hermione making eye contact with her and was relieved when he saw she was all right basically.
McGonagall answered the other boys' questions. "Miss Granger is all right. Give us a few minutes and she'll talk to you." McGonagall guided Hermione to her room and Ginny followed. The boys sat and waited patiently. When in the room, "Pack the things you need my dear, Miss Weasley please help her."
Ginny didn't know exactly what Hermione needed so she just grabbed a few school uniforms and other daily clothes and put them in a small suitcase. Hermione gathered her things she needed from her bathroom for the next couple of days. Hermione made sure she had all her school books and work. After making sure she had everything she needed the ladies went out to the common room to talk for a minute.
Ginny and Hermione sat down on a couch, Ginny wanted to support Hermione as best as she could.
"What happened Hermione?" Draco asked gently.
Hermione gathered her strength, "I was attacked on my way to dinner by three 6th year boys."
"Did they...?" Draco let the question hang.
"No. Professor Lupin stopped them before they got too far."
"Who were they?" Harry asked with anger.
"Don't worry Harry, they won't be bothering me anymore."
"It was Flint wasn't it? He's been causing you trouble all year," Draco edged in.
"Calm down Harry, Draco. They're leaving school."
A little bit of relief washed through the boys, "Good otherwise I would have kicked his sorry..." Harry didn't finish his sentence a throat was deliberately cleared by their Head of House.
Ron finally came around, "I bet Snape's going to love this." Ron loved to cause trouble for the professor and say anything bad about the man. "His 6th year trouble making pupil is finally getting what he deserves. I bet the overgrown-bat was cursing and hollering about it." McGonagall cleared her throat a few more times but Ron just kept on.
Hermione stood up angrily, "Ronald Weasley! You may not like the man but he is our professor!"
Ron and Harry were astonished by Hermione's vehemence. "But Hermione he probably did curse and holler knowing his students are being expelled."
Hermione's eyes narrowed, "If either of you repeat what I am about to say I'll hex you myself. The only reason I was not raped tonight by three men was because Professor Snape stunned them. Yes, he made a show of not having the boys expelled for obvious reasons. They do not know it was he, who stopped the attack. It was agreed by everyone involved, to say Professor Lupin stopped them and he agreed. You know what Professor Snape is doing for us and for the Headmaster. I am sick of listening to you going on about the man. He has to be harsh to us in class, he has to pretend to hate us."
Harry and Ron gawked at their best friend. They only had seen her get mad when she believed in something deeply.
Hermione continued, "I'm going to stay in the suite near the Headmasters office for the rest of the week. I'll see you guys tomorrow or something." Hermione grabbed her bag and walked to the door. "Ginny come with me?"
Ginny nodded and walked to Hermione. McGonagall followed the girls out of the portrait hole and they headed to the Headmaster's office. Hermione was silent for a few minutes trying to get her temper back under control. She hoped the guys would see the truth about Severus soon. She wanted to tell them about her relationship but they kept whining about him so she didn't.
"Hermione you are staying with him for the week correct?"
"Yes."
"When are the boys being expelled?" Ginny asked.
"Tomorrow."
"Will you be safe Hermione? What if their friends come after you?"
"I'll be all right. I won't be putting myself in that position again. And this weekend I'll be learning some defensive spells."
"From him?"
"Yes," Hermione was quiet for a moment, thinking. [Severus?]
[Yes, love?]
[When you teach me defensive spells can Ginny be there also?]
[She would learn about the gifts, is that all right with you?]
[Yes. Maybe she can learn simple wandless magic, she's more powerful than I am or was.]
[Yes, I've noticed that about Miss Weasley.]
[So, would you mind?]
[Invite her of course.]
[Thank you.]
[Anything for you.]
"Ginny you have any plans for this weekend?" Hermione asked.
"Just with him," Ginny vaguely said.
Hermione nodded in understanding. "Bring him along, I think he would want you to learn. Perhaps he can help."
"To learn defensive spells with you right?" Ginny asked catching on.
"Yes."
"Wouldn't he mind?" Ginny referred to Severus.
"No."
Ginny didn't know how Hermione could know this but agreed. She would have to talk to Remus soon, they planned on spending time alone. She hoped he wouldn't mind, but didn't think he would. The women were soon in Dumbledore's office which was occupied by Dumbledore, Severus and Remus. Severus went to Hermione and took her bag; she automatically wrapped her arms around his waist. Usually she would not show affection in front of others but she needed him.
"Miss Weasley," Severus said in greeting.
"Professor Snape," Ginny said before walked over to Remus.
Severus didn't pay attention he looked back down to Hermione. She buried her head in his chest, he could tell she was tired. He turned to the other professors, "Albus, we're leaving."
Dumbledore nodded, "Goodnight Severus, Hermione."
"Goodnight everyone," Hermione murmured before Severus apparated them to his chambers.
----------
"Can I take a shower please?" Hermione almost begged after arriving in Severus' rooms.
Severus heard the desperation in her voice and he quickly agreed. He set out a towel and her nightclothes. Hermione took a long hot shower scrubbing her skin thoroughly wanting to get the touch of the boys off of her. After her shower Hermione found her clothes and books put away. In the sitting room she found Severus in a chair by the fireplace watching the flames. She noticed the food in front of the couch, when she realized she missed dinner.
"I had the house elves bring you some dinner. I thought you might be hungry," Severus told her standing up.
"Thank you," she whispered walking over to sit down.
While she ate she could feel his eyes on her. She figured it was disgust; he wasn't coming near her anymore. Her heart sank into despair. She didn't know what to do. Finishing her dinner she put down her fork and looked at Severus, he was in the same position he was when she started. "Do you want me to stay with Dumbledore?" Hermione asked in a sad voice.
Severus watched Hermione eat. He wanted to be near her, but didn't know if she wanted him. He didn't want to scare her. But she wasn't showing any signs of what to do. He could understand if she didn't want him to touch her, but he was still worried. When he heard her question he was startled, "No, why would you think that?"
"Why are you standing so far away from me?"
"I'm not sure if you wanted me near you. I don't wish to scare you."
"It's not because of..." Hermione let the question hang.
"Because of what?" Severus asked walking over to her and sitting on the couch beside her.
"Because of what they wanted to do to me. That I'm dirty or you're ashamed of me," Hermione whispered while looking at the floor.
Severus quickly pulled her tightly into his arms, "Hermione listen to me carefully. You did nothing wrong. I do not think of you as dirty and I could never be ashamed of you. Never!" Severus said vehemently.
Hermione let tears fall onto Severus' shoulder as she cried. She felt Severus pick her up and carry her to his bed, he set her down and he quickly changed into his pajamas. He took off her dressing gown gently and pulled her closer to him. Severus held her as she cried and she soon was asleep from the emotional exhaustion. Making sure the covers surrounded them both in warmth, Severus let himself sleep with his arms protectively around his love.
----------
To be continued...
Thanks goes to Snapebbwlover for beta reading. I also owe my thanks to Estrilda for grammar beta reading for me.
I promised one this weekend... and here it is! If I don't have one up by next Saturday... email me and tell me to get off my lazy arse! :)
The Gifts of Love
Chapter 9: Protective Friends and Lover
Dumbledore, Severus, Hermione, McGonagall and Remus went to Dumbledore's office. When they all entered the office Severus pulled Hermione immediately over to a couch, keeping her close.
The other professors sat in surrounding chairs watching for a minute. "Hermione how are you feeling?"
"Better, thank you Headmaster."
Dumbledore nodded and hesitated before asking his next question. "I'm sorry to bother you about this now, but Severus how did you know Hermione was in trouble?"
Severus looked up at Albus and kept quiet. He looked back at Hermione who was looking at him. She nodded slightly and he answered. "She called to me."
"How?"
"Hermione and I didn't tell you all of the new 'gifts' we received. We left out telepathy with one another."
Dumbledore nodded and finally said. "I'm glad. I would hate to think of what could have happened."
"Hermione why didn't you use your wand?" Severus asked softly.
"I couldn't get to it."
"And the other gift?"
"I couldn't get focused and we haven't been practicing spells that would've stopped them." She fell silent for a second, "Can we practice more advanced things this weekend please? I don't want to be in that situation again," Hermione asked with fear and determination in her voice.
"Yes. You'll be learning some other things that are not taught here to defend yourself also."
McGonagall and Remus were lost by now. "Sorry to interrupt, but what other gift?" Remus asked.
Dumbledore smiled softly at the question, "Minerva, Remus, if Severus and Hermione were to tell you, you must swear never to tell anyone."
Both professors agreed and Severus explained. "Hermione and I have two other gifts."
"How?" Remus asked.
Dumbledore quickly filled Remus in on Hermione being cursed with Verus amor aut letum. Remus knew of the curse and came to realization quickly.
"And these gifts are from the curse?" Remus asked Severus.
"Yes, we found a letter after admitting our feelings for each other. It stated our new gifts, powers were to apparate anywhere without regard to apparating wards and wandless magic."
Hermione continued, "We are to get more gifts soon if our feelings are stronger than what they first were."
This shocked all three professors. The Headmaster was not aware of the last part. "What new powers will you be receiving?" Dumbledore asked.
"We don't know."
Everyone stayed quiet for a moment. No one wanted to bring up the other pressing subject. Severus knew it and whispered to Hermione, "Love, do you want to go to the suite while we talk?"
Hermione knew he was being caring and what the subject was about. The boys that attacked her, but she couldn't stand the idea of being away from Severus. "No."
Severus wanted to insist but he knew it was not wise to. Instead he put her head on his chest and held her tight while looking up to Dumbledore.
"What do you want to do with them?"
"There is only one thing to be done with them. They are out! They should know not to attack any student but attacking Hermione alone they are lucky I don't rip their heads off!" Severus let his anger show in his soft, dangerous tone, keeping himself from yelling due to Hermione in his arms.
"We'll have to say some one else stopped the attack." Dumbledore thought for a second, "Remus, can I ask you to say you stopped them?"
"Certainly."
Everyone agreed to the new story. Remus and Severus were about the same height and build, so it wouldn't be possible for the three attackers to know the difference. The boys were expelled. A show was put on while Hermione waited with McGonagall, Severus put up a fight for show, but Dumbledore quickly shut him up. Severus was thankful, he didn't know how much longer he could stand to be in the room with the three mutts.
Remus and Severus escorted the three boys to another part of the castle. House elves retrieved the boys' belongings and returned it to them. Owls were sent to their parents telling them of the incident and why they were being expelled.
After the boys left, Hermione came out and waited.
"Hermione you are welcome to stay in the suite here or with Severus," Dumbledore offered.
"With Severus please," Hermione blushed.
"Certainly. You are welcome to stay there the rest of the week while we say you stayed here. No one else is allowed so no need to worry about uninvited guests."
"Thank you sir."
"You are also excused from classes tomorrow. When Severus is in class please come to my office. I do not want you alone."
Hermione usually would be put off by being told what to do like this and missing classes but she welcomed the company. "I'll need some clothes."
"I'll escort you now dear," McGonagall said.
Hermione nodded, she still had Severus' robes around her. Her blouse and robes were discarded for being too ripped. Hermione was able to shrink his robes to fit her a bit better so they wouldn't be dragging on the ground from him being taller than she. Hermione wanted to take a shower badly but knew it would have to wait until she got to Severus' chambers. She considered changing when McGonagall and she walked to her quarters but she felt safe and comfortable in his robes. She hugged herself tight as they continued to walk.
"Miss Granger you know if you need anything you just need to ask," McGonagall said in a tender tone.
"Thank you Professor."
Hermione spoke the password to the Head Boy/Girl suite and walked in. Draco, Ginny, Harry and Ron were all there. They immediately approached Hermione worried.
"'Mione where were you?" -- "Are you all right?" Harry and Ron asked instantly.
Ginny saw what she was wearing and saw how disheveled Hermione looked and knew she just needed comfort. Draco looked directly at Hermione making eye contact with her and was relieved when he saw she was all right basically.
McGonagall answered the other boys' questions. "Miss Granger is all right. Give us a few minutes and she'll talk to you." McGonagall guided Hermione to her room and Ginny followed. The boys sat and waited patiently. When in the room, "Pack the things you need my dear, Miss Weasley please help her."
Ginny didn't know exactly what Hermione needed so she just grabbed a few school uniforms and other daily clothes and put them in a small suitcase. Hermione gathered her things she needed from her bathroom for the next couple of days. Hermione made sure she had all her school books and work. After making sure she had everything she needed the ladies went out to the common room to talk for a minute.
Ginny and Hermione sat down on a couch, Ginny wanted to support Hermione as best as she could.
"What happened Hermione?" Draco asked gently.
Hermione gathered her strength, "I was attacked on my way to dinner by three 6th year boys."
"Did they...?" Draco let the question hang.
"No. Professor Lupin stopped them before they got too far."
"Who were they?" Harry asked with anger.
"Don't worry Harry, they won't be bothering me anymore."
"It was Flint wasn't it? He's been causing you trouble all year," Draco edged in.
"Calm down Harry, Draco. They're leaving school."
A little bit of relief washed through the boys, "Good otherwise I would have kicked his sorry..." Harry didn't finish his sentence a throat was deliberately cleared by their Head of House.
Ron finally came around, "I bet Snape's going to love this." Ron loved to cause trouble for the professor and say anything bad about the man. "His 6th year trouble making pupil is finally getting what he deserves. I bet the overgrown-bat was cursing and hollering about it." McGonagall cleared her throat a few more times but Ron just kept on.
Hermione stood up angrily, "Ronald Weasley! You may not like the man but he is our professor!"
Ron and Harry were astonished by Hermione's vehemence. "But Hermione he probably did curse and holler knowing his students are being expelled."
Hermione's eyes narrowed, "If either of you repeat what I am about to say I'll hex you myself. The only reason I was not raped tonight by three men was because Professor Snape stunned them. Yes, he made a show of not having the boys expelled for obvious reasons. They do not know it was he, who stopped the attack. It was agreed by everyone involved, to say Professor Lupin stopped them and he agreed. You know what Professor Snape is doing for us and for the Headmaster. I am sick of listening to you going on about the man. He has to be harsh to us in class, he has to pretend to hate us."
Harry and Ron gawked at their best friend. They only had seen her get mad when she believed in something deeply.
Hermione continued, "I'm going to stay in the suite near the Headmasters office for the rest of the week. I'll see you guys tomorrow or something." Hermione grabbed her bag and walked to the door. "Ginny come with me?"
Ginny nodded and walked to Hermione. McGonagall followed the girls out of the portrait hole and they headed to the Headmaster's office. Hermione was silent for a few minutes trying to get her temper back under control. She hoped the guys would see the truth about Severus soon. She wanted to tell them about her relationship but they kept whining about him so she didn't.
"Hermione you are staying with him for the week correct?"
"Yes."
"When are the boys being expelled?" Ginny asked.
"Tomorrow."
"Will you be safe Hermione? What if their friends come after you?"
"I'll be all right. I won't be putting myself in that position again. And this weekend I'll be learning some defensive spells."
"From him?"
"Yes," Hermione was quiet for a moment, thinking. [Severus?]
[Yes, love?]
[When you teach me defensive spells can Ginny be there also?]
[She would learn about the gifts, is that all right with you?]
[Yes. Maybe she can learn simple wandless magic, she's more powerful than I am or was.]
[Yes, I've noticed that about Miss Weasley.]
[So, would you mind?]
[Invite her of course.]
[Thank you.]
[Anything for you.]
"Ginny you have any plans for this weekend?" Hermione asked.
"Just with him," Ginny vaguely said.
Hermione nodded in understanding. "Bring him along, I think he would want you to learn. Perhaps he can help."
"To learn defensive spells with you right?" Ginny asked catching on.
"Yes."
"Wouldn't he mind?" Ginny referred to Severus.
"No."
Ginny didn't know how Hermione could know this but agreed. She would have to talk to Remus soon, they planned on spending time alone. She hoped he wouldn't mind, but didn't think he would. The women were soon in Dumbledore's office which was occupied by Dumbledore, Severus and Remus. Severus went to Hermione and took her bag; she automatically wrapped her arms around his waist. Usually she would not show affection in front of others but she needed him.
"Miss Weasley," Severus said in greeting.
"Professor Snape," Ginny said before walked over to Remus.
Severus didn't pay attention he looked back down to Hermione. She buried her head in his chest, he could tell she was tired. He turned to the other professors, "Albus, we're leaving."
Dumbledore nodded, "Goodnight Severus, Hermione."
"Goodnight everyone," Hermione murmured before Severus apparated them to his chambers.
----------
"Can I take a shower please?" Hermione almost begged after arriving in Severus' rooms.
Severus heard the desperation in her voice and he quickly agreed. He set out a towel and her nightclothes. Hermione took a long hot shower scrubbing her skin thoroughly wanting to get the touch of the boys off of her. After her shower Hermione found her clothes and books put away. In the sitting room she found Severus in a chair by the fireplace watching the flames. She noticed the food in front of the couch, when she realized she missed dinner.
"I had the house elves bring you some dinner. I thought you might be hungry," Severus told her standing up.
"Thank you," she whispered walking over to sit down.
While she ate she could feel his eyes on her. She figured it was disgust; he wasn't coming near her anymore. Her heart sank into despair. She didn't know what to do. Finishing her dinner she put down her fork and looked at Severus, he was in the same position he was when she started. "Do you want me to stay with Dumbledore?" Hermione asked in a sad voice.
Severus watched Hermione eat. He wanted to be near her, but didn't know if she wanted him. He didn't want to scare her. But she wasn't showing any signs of what to do. He could understand if she didn't want him to touch her, but he was still worried. When he heard her question he was startled, "No, why would you think that?"
"Why are you standing so far away from me?"
"I'm not sure if you wanted me near you. I don't wish to scare you."
"It's not because of..." Hermione let the question hang.
"Because of what?" Severus asked walking over to her and sitting on the couch beside her.
"Because of what they wanted to do to me. That I'm dirty or you're ashamed of me," Hermione whispered while looking at the floor.
Severus quickly pulled her tightly into his arms, "Hermione listen to me carefully. You did nothing wrong. I do not think of you as dirty and I could never be ashamed of you. Never!" Severus said vehemently.
Hermione let tears fall onto Severus' shoulder as she cried. She felt Severus pick her up and carry her to his bed, he set her down and he quickly changed into his pajamas. He took off her dressing gown gently and pulled her closer to him. Severus held her as she cried and she soon was asleep from the emotional exhaustion. Making sure the covers surrounded them both in warmth, Severus let himself sleep with his arms protectively around his love.
----------
To be continued...