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.

The Gifts of Love

Chapter 10: New Gifts

Severus woke up first in the morning still holding Hermione protectively, he was grateful she wasn't raped but hated that she came so close to it. Severus knew what he wanted to teach her and would make sure she was never put in that position again.

Hermione smiled when she woke up in Severus' arms and then her memory came back from last night and her face dropped and her eyes lost focus on Severus. "Hermione are you all right?" Hermione nodded yes. "Severus, are you still going to teach me to defend myself?" her eyes locked again with his.

"Yes, I am and not only with magic," his voice was determined.

"Thank you."

Severus watched her bury herself closer to him; he had one more thing he wanted to talk to her about even though it would be touchy. "Hermione will you look at me please?" he asked gently.

Hermione turned her head to see him again.

"I know last night was traumatic for you and I want you to know that whenever you feel comfortable again to make love however long it takes I'll wait. I don't want to rush you, all right?"

Hermione listened to him and gazed at him without responding. Last night was traumatic but having his support and knowing he didn't feel she was dirty relieved a lot of stress and she didn't feel ashamed. But she did want those memories to be replaced and knew Severus was the only one she would allow to touch her even if last night happened or not. She raised her hand and put it behind his head and pulled him down to her. He gave in and she knew he was letting her lead the contact between them.

Hermione eagerly kissed him opening her mouth and probing his with her tongue. Her other hand started to unbutton his shirt and strip it off of him, he pulled back. "Hermione we don't have to right now." Severus reassured her.

"I know that," Hermione pulled him back down for a simple kiss before he pulled away again.

"Then we should wai..." he started.

"Severus, shut up and make love to me," she seductively whispered.

Severus chuckled, "That's the Hermione I know."

Hermione smiled before kissing him again.

Severus and Hermione eventually both got the clothes off each other and joined as one. Severus was tender in his lovemaking, making sure he did not scare her. It was exactly what Hermione needed. When they were both sated and relaxed Severus played with her hair while her head was on his chest with her curled up to him. He knew she would be all right, otherwise she wouldn't have asked for him. He had taken it slow and given her as much pleasure as he could before he exploded himself.

"Severus, won't you be late for class if we stay in bed much longer?" Hermione eventually asked.

Severus completely forgot about it and looked at the time. "Damn," and he moved to get up and he pulled her up with him. "Let's take a shower. You are to go to Albus' office for the day."

Hermione joined him in the shower. Once they were both out and got dressed they had a light breakfast before classes started. Severus went to teach while Hermione apparated to Dumbledore's office for the day.

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When the day was over Severus apparated to Dumbledore's office to escort Hermione back to his chambers. Hermione had spent most of the day just reading or chatting with Dumbledore. It was relaxing to the young witch. She always enjoyed light-hearted conversation and being able to do so with such an intelligent wizard such as Dumbledore was a great pleasure.

That night after dinner, Severus and Hermione prepared for bed when Severus noticed a letter. He looked at it oddly then realized it was exactly the type that was given to Hermione and him before. Severus picked it up and read the names it was addressed to.

Hermione Granger and Severus Snape

Hermione was in the bathroom finishing her bath when Severus called to her. "Hermione, we have another letter."

Within seconds the bathroom door was opened further and Hermione dressed in her nightgown came out. She stood beside Severus as he opened the letter. Once opened and unfolded Severus and Hermione read:

Dear Hermione Granger and Severus Snape,

As you were told before with the growth of your love new 'gifts' would be bestowed.

The love that has grown between you both is pure and unselfish. The love is a reward in itself but the following gifts shall be granted also:

Invisibility at will
The share of curses and hexes between the both of you

These gifts will allow you better protection if ever needed. Good luck and enjoy the love that you both have found.

Amor Angelus


After reading, Severus was horrified at the latter gift. He did not wish for Hermione to experience what he had to during his meetings with Voldemort. But there was no way he could not attend or he would lose his position as spy for Dumbledore.

Hermione was thrilled at the idea of invisibility and secretly relieved about the latter gift. She knew of the curses and hexes Severus was commonly given. Now she could help in some small way and take the pain he would have felt. Though she was not looking forward to the pain, she knew it would help Severus. Perhaps she could even be given a sleeping potion during those times to help relieve some of the pain.

Severus put down the letter and looked to Hermione, "Mia, I wish there was some way to avoid the pain you shall receive because of loving me."

Hermione was shocked, "Severus, do not think of it like that. I'm well aware of what you will have to do at those meetings and what will be done to you. Now you will not have to face the pain alone. I would endure it gladly knowing it helped to ease your suffering. We will be able to handle whatever is thrown at us."

Severus just looked to his lover in shock; he didn't know how he was lucky enough to have such a witch in his life. He pulled her tightly into his arms and hugged her. He needed the confirmation that she was there of her own will. He received just that when she hugged him back just as tightly with her own arms and her head resting on his chest.

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Severus and Hermione tested the powers later that night. They each threw the conjunctivitis curse at the other and both felt the result. Severus was still a bit uncomfortable with the prospect of Hermione having to experience half the pain of the Cruciatus curse but there was nothing that he knew of to prevent it. Except to avoid it when it was dished out for fun from Voldemort.

Each was able to go invisible and hold the charm for a length of time. They had some fun with the spell also, enjoying having no sight of the other and trying to turn each other on. It ended where they were both too aroused to continue the game in any other place than the bed.

Not being able to see each other, they were forced to use their other senses. They explored each other by touch, smell and taste, using their hearing to know when they were pleasing the other. It was erotic and intoxicating and one of the most sensual experiences they had yet shared. But when they both finally achieved their explosive climaxes the charm fell away. Suddenly seeing each other they both laughed. It was an amazing experience for them but they also missed being able to see each other. Although they knew it would be fun to do again, from time to time.

Having spent the night in bed, they waited until the next morning to tell Dumbledore of their new gifts.

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Hermione and Severus sat in front of the Headmaster's desk.

"Albus, you wish to be informed when we have new gifts." Severus started.

Dumbledore nodded and waited eagerly.

"Hermione and I now have the ability to be invisible at will," to demonstrate this effect Severus went invisible and stood up to move behind Dumbledore and lightly touched him on the shoulder.

Dumbledore clapped with pride and said, "Wonderful. And what other gift have you received?" Dumbledore had picked up on the gifts and not just gift.

Severus went silent at this and sat back down next to Hermione. She knew he still did not like this next gift so she proceeded to tell Dumbledore of it and Severus' concerns. She also asked if there was a sleeping potion or some pain potion she could take during his meetings to reduce the pain. This question brought Severus more into the conversation he had not thought of those possibilities and was eager to find if they could work.

At much discussion and a few ideas they had decided to try a potion with a light sleeping draught but mostly a pain-numbing potion, allowing Hermione to stay awake but numb to most of the pain. It was a very complicated and dangerous potion but Severus could easily brew it. Which he did immediately in case he was called any time soon.

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Severus had secured a room from Dumbledore to teach Hermione and Ginny. It was on the third floor where Fluffy use to be, Hermione and Severus were already in the room waiting for Ginny. Within a few minutes the door to the room opened up and Ginny and Remus walked in. Hermione was pleased to see both of them, but Severus was confused.

"Remus, why are you here?"

Remus smirked and looked at the two smiling witches, "You two didn't tell him?"

"Nope," both answered.

Severus scowled at Hermione, "Tell me what?"

"That Remus would be coming to help you," Hermione answered with a smile.

"Why?"

"Severus, you are not the only wizard in this school who cares for a witch," Remus put his arm around Ginny's waist.

Severus hid his surprise and accepted relationship easily. "Indeed. Shall we get started?"

"Yes," Remus said letting his arm drop from Ginny's waist.

Over the next two hours Hermione and Ginny went through a thorough instruction of defensive spells and beginning moves on self-defense without magic - muggle style. Severus and Remus taught the girls common spells and advanced quickly to spells that were not taught at Hogwarts. With the help of both professors and one on one teaching the girls mastered the spells and were able to test them on Severus and Remus, both taking turns.

Remus and Severus also started Ginny in her lessons of wandless magic. She caught on quickly but had difficulty controlling the power she used. Severus and Remus told her to practice when she could. Remus told her they would practice more later that weekend if she wished to. Of course Ginny nodded with eager determination.

The lessons continued privately for the witches. Ginny improved rapidly with Remus and Severus as her private instructors. Hermione and Ginny were now able to use wandless magic in self-defense. The physical self-defense was also improving. Severus and Remus were also benefiting from the physical training in the bedroom with their witches. Better stamina.

Soon time passed to the end of March. The lessons were held only on weekends now that both witches had progressed so far and so fast.

Severus still kept up his spying, but hid more now in the crowd of Death Eaters to avoid attacks from Voldemort. He had been lucky enough so far to avoid all torture and thus saving Hermione from experiencing any of the pain.

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To be continued...