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 14: Consciousness
The room was dark and silent except for the rhythmic breathing of the two sleeping individuals. They had been asleep for days now fighting for their survival.
With sudden shock and gasping for air Hermione and Severus woke up simultaneously. It felt like as they were thrown into the conscious world. Immediately their hands joined not wanting to be without the touch of the other. After few long minutes their breathing settled and the two drew closer. Physically, just being able to hold each other was the best feeling in the world to each.
Hermione was relieved beyond belief. She knew Severus would not have to face Voldemort in disguise again and from now on she would stand by his side to face whatever came his.... their way. She tightened her hold on him and rested her head on his chest and relaxed. Finally she would be able to sleep peacefully knowing her true love would be all right.
Severus felt Hermione tightening her grip and he easily did the same, knowing what she was feeling. No words needed to be spoken between them. He rested his head on the pillow with his arms wrapped around Hermione, before he went to sleep himself with the knowledge they would both wake up to face the world together... always.
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The next morning Pomfrey had come to check on the patients. When she entered the room she immediately noticed the difference in the sleeping positions. Assuming they had both woken up she ran her test quietly before leaving the room to let them sleep more. She knew it was going to be stressful the next few days.
Pomfrey headed straight for Dumbledore's office knowing he wanted any updates on the two. After the brisk walk to the other end of the castle she urgently whispered the password to the gargoyle statue to let her pass. With hurried steps she walked up the stairs to the door of the Headmaster. A quick, short rap on the door and she was welcomed in.
"Poppy shall I take it that Severus and Hermione awoke last night?" Dumbledore said with hopeful glee in his voice. The twinkle in his eyes had returned.
"Why do you ask such questions when you already know the answer?" Pomfrey asked.
Dumbledore just smiled, "Thank you, Poppy for the prompt notice. I dare say this will make several people happy."
Pomfrey gave a curt nod and left the office.
Dumbledore stood from his chair and walked to a hidden door that led to his own chambers. The news had to be told to his wife immediately.
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Draco had not been permitted to visit Hermione and Severus as he usually was, even if it was a school morning. Draco wasn't sure to be excited at the prospect they could be awake or scared because something happened and they would never wake again. When he was told the news he headed to the Great Hall for breakfast. As he sat down Harry, Ron, their girlfriends and Ginny were already seated.
"How are they?" Ginny asked, knowing Draco went to visit them.
Draco simply answered, "I wasn't able to see them."
Padma and Luna had finally been told the truth about Hermione and Severus with Dumbledore's permission. Harry and Ron believed Hermione wouldn't mind telling the two girls since she knew how her best friends felt about their girlfriends.
During breakfast Draco explained what happened that morning and everyone was worried. When they looked up to the Head Table, Dumbledore, McGonagall and Pomfrey were talking excitedly. This gave hope to the friends while they continued eating.
Breakfast was almost over when the owls came in with the mail. One owl came to the table holding a letter addressed to all. The owl dropped it to the center of the table, Draco immediately reached for it and read:
Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Ginny Weasley, Padma Patil, and Luna Lovegood:
Are requested to meet in the Head Suite straight away after breakfast. All students are excused from morning classes.
Deputy Headmistress,
Prof. McGonagall
Draco handed the letter to Harry and it continued its way around the table. Once everyone read the letter they assumed it was good news or they would have been told immediately.
The students ate the rest of their breakfast quickly. They all finished within the same minute, grabbed what was theirs and ran out of the Great Hall straight to the Head Suite. As they ran by other students looked awkwardly at them. Several tried to stop one of the group if they knew them but no one stopped knowing McGonagall would be waiting; they had seen her leave a few minutes after the letter was delivered followed by Remus.
Harry, Ron and their girlfriends were still unaware of Remus and Ginny. The couple planned on leaving it that way for a while. Enough had happened recently without adding another shock to Harry and Ron.
The group reached the Head Suite in record time. Draco yelled the password to the portrait to let them in. Draco, the first one in, saw McGonagall standing in the center of the sitting room. She indicated for everyone to sit down. The others took the hint and sat without question. They knew it would only delay the news if they asked questions.
McGonagall held back her grin seeing her students rush in and sit down. Remus joined McGonagall before anything could be said. he was waiting next to the fireplace, no one saw Ginny when she smiled the littlest bit at him. Remus hinted back a smile of his own before looking to McGonagall to begin.
"Professor Snape and Ms. Granger have woken up," McGonagall said only.
All the students immediately jumped up and cheered. Laughing with happiness. After a few minutes they settled down. "Can we see her now?" Harry asked urgently.
"Not yet. They are currently sleeping but we do know that they woke up during the night," McGonagall explained.
"But why can't we wake them up?" Ron pushed.
"They need their rest. Both have been through extraordinary circumstances," McGonagall clarified.
"That's why all of you have this morning off of classes. To make sure you can them when they wake up again," Remus explained further knowing this would calm the boys down.
The effect was immediate, they calmed down. Draco was relieved. His 'family' would be all right.
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Hermione and Severus were alone when they woke up again but felt better this time. The stiffness in their bodies was still as present but not as bad as before. Neither spoke they didn't want to break the peaceful silence and they weren't sure if they could talk, their throats being so dry. Water was next to the bed for each to reach with ease and they drank greedily. When they felt better, Hermione snuggled back into Severus' space; he had no qualms about it.
Within an hour though the silence was broken. Dumbledore, McGonagall and Pomfrey came through the bedroom door. Hermione and Severus were still lying together but when the others joined both sat up and leaned against the headboard.
Hermione remained silent as Pomfrey looked over her and Severus. Severus, however, made a point though of giving Pomfrey dirty looks throughout the exam. But she easily ignored them being use to her patient. After Pomfrey stopped she looked to each, "You both are quite lucky. The amount of Cruciatus you suffered easily makes one's mind lost forever." She looked directly at Severus, "The beating you received I was amazed you weren't dead by the time you go back here with the amount of blood loss." She took another breathe, "As for you Ms. Granger..."
"Poppy I believe that will do," Dumbledore interrupted though his tone was soft.
"Severus, Hermione, how do you feel?" Dumbledore asked.
"Tired," Hermione answered first.
"Alive," Severus clipped off. He was not pleased with the interruption, he rather be alone with Hermione.
"Severus you must know first that everyone thinks you are dead. I announced it to the school," Dumbledore said waiting for any reaction.
Severus gave the slightest nod indicating he agreed. Hermione wondered what was said about her since she was gone just as long.
Dumbledore sensed what Hermione was thinking, "Hermione it has been reported you came down ill and are in the isolation ward in the Hospital Wing."
"Thank you sir. But what was told to Harry and Ron, I know they would demand to see me or have tried," Hermione asked.
"Yes those two were demanding to know about your fate," Dumbledore started. "They, Ms. Patil and Ms. Lovegood know the truth. They have been visiting you regularly along with Draco and Ms. Weasley."
This shocked Hermione, she didn't think they would be told how she was incapacitated, especially Padma and Luna. "How did they take the news?"
Severus was horrified Dumbledore let the students visit Hermione when she was within his presence and bed. The invasion of privacy irked him but he noticed Hermione felt better and would put up with anything to see her happy.
"As can be expected. But they have been supportive and eager to see you," Dumbledore said.
The four continued to talk. Dumbledore and McGonagall updated Severus and Hermione on what was going on in the school and with Voldemort. Since they lost Severus as a spy more attacks had taken place but Dumbledore had been able to keep control within the school. Eventually Dumbledore returned to the subject of Hermione's friends that were waiting to see her.
Hermione was eager to see her friend but knew Severus would not want to. "Sir, I would like to visit with them but in the sitting room."
Dumbledore nodded and moved to help her out of the bed with McGonagall's assistance.
[You could have stayed here, love.] Severus spoke mentally to her.
[It's alright and I'm sure Draco will want a few minutes with you alone also.] Hermione gave him a meaningful look, which he acknowledged with a short nod.
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When word was received from McGonagall, Draco and everyone else raced out of the door to the dungeons. They commonly used a corridor deserted of students and classrooms. Faster than they ever thought possible they arrived and knocked rapidly on the door, trying to catch their breathes.
The door was opened by McGonagall but she received them with a warning glare to keep calm. Their excitement was quickly put in check and they walked in to see Hermione resting on the couch. Her friends eagerly sat next to her asking repeatedly how she was and how she felt.
Hermione noticed a few looks of long, at the door that led to the bedroom by Draco. Hermione was able to catch his eye and tilted her head to the door, indicating he should go in. Draco got up from his position without hassle and left. Harry and Ron were telling stories of their past adventures while everyone was laughing.
Draco slowly opened the door almost afraid of what he would find when he already knew. Draco closed the door behind him, Severus was dressed and sitting in one of the chairs, placed in a small corner, reading a book.
Severus knew Draco had entered, he put his book down and looked up to the young wizard. "Sit down, Draco." Severus indicated the chair across from his.
"How are you feeling, Professor?"
"Fine and I believe we can drop the pretense Draco. You know I am no longer a professor."
Draco nodded, "Certainly, Mr. Snape."
Severus had to hold back his grin. The boy always did have manners and respect for Severus. "Draco, call me Severus. We have known each other long enough."
Draco was surprised at the turn around in Severus. Draco figured with his near death and being able to return with Hermione, the man had changed a bit.
"I assume your grades have stayed up?" Severus asked returning to his mentor role.
Draco was relieved, their relationship went back to grounds he was more comfortable with. He knew it would take time to get to the point of having a 'friendship' type of relationship with the older wizard. And even reaching that goal would be monstrous, referring to Severus was a 'friend' when he was not that type of person.
After a while the other students returned to lunch and then their afternoon classes. Hermione was excused from them for the rest of the week. Hermione decided to stay in Severus' chambers even with the option of going back to hers.
The two changed back into clean night clothes, though Severus just wore his boxers and a shirt because of Pomfrey and her meddling self would come to check on them often and unexpectedly. Hermione wished they could be as they usually were when in bed together: naked.
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Ginny and Remus sat together on his couch. It wasn't often the two could sit during the day together and relax, it seemed to always be at night, though they never complained about that.
Ginny was wondering when she would tell her brother about her relationship with Remus. Ron seemed to accept Hermione and Severus well enough. She knew Remus was worried how Harry would take it. Harry had started to look to Remus more for a father figure after losing Sirius. She hoped Harry would be happy for Remus and her. Ginny couldn't think of why they would object except for the age difference. But Hermione and Severus had the same problem. But obviously worked itself out.
"Remus, when should we tell Ron and Harry?" Ginny didn't have to say what about he already know.
"Soon, my sweet, after Hermione and Severus are better."
Ginny nodded and cuddled up against him again.
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To be continued...
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 14: Consciousness
The room was dark and silent except for the rhythmic breathing of the two sleeping individuals. They had been asleep for days now fighting for their survival.
With sudden shock and gasping for air Hermione and Severus woke up simultaneously. It felt like as they were thrown into the conscious world. Immediately their hands joined not wanting to be without the touch of the other. After few long minutes their breathing settled and the two drew closer. Physically, just being able to hold each other was the best feeling in the world to each.
Hermione was relieved beyond belief. She knew Severus would not have to face Voldemort in disguise again and from now on she would stand by his side to face whatever came his.... their way. She tightened her hold on him and rested her head on his chest and relaxed. Finally she would be able to sleep peacefully knowing her true love would be all right.
Severus felt Hermione tightening her grip and he easily did the same, knowing what she was feeling. No words needed to be spoken between them. He rested his head on the pillow with his arms wrapped around Hermione, before he went to sleep himself with the knowledge they would both wake up to face the world together... always.
----------
The next morning Pomfrey had come to check on the patients. When she entered the room she immediately noticed the difference in the sleeping positions. Assuming they had both woken up she ran her test quietly before leaving the room to let them sleep more. She knew it was going to be stressful the next few days.
Pomfrey headed straight for Dumbledore's office knowing he wanted any updates on the two. After the brisk walk to the other end of the castle she urgently whispered the password to the gargoyle statue to let her pass. With hurried steps she walked up the stairs to the door of the Headmaster. A quick, short rap on the door and she was welcomed in.
"Poppy shall I take it that Severus and Hermione awoke last night?" Dumbledore said with hopeful glee in his voice. The twinkle in his eyes had returned.
"Why do you ask such questions when you already know the answer?" Pomfrey asked.
Dumbledore just smiled, "Thank you, Poppy for the prompt notice. I dare say this will make several people happy."
Pomfrey gave a curt nod and left the office.
Dumbledore stood from his chair and walked to a hidden door that led to his own chambers. The news had to be told to his wife immediately.
----------
Draco had not been permitted to visit Hermione and Severus as he usually was, even if it was a school morning. Draco wasn't sure to be excited at the prospect they could be awake or scared because something happened and they would never wake again. When he was told the news he headed to the Great Hall for breakfast. As he sat down Harry, Ron, their girlfriends and Ginny were already seated.
"How are they?" Ginny asked, knowing Draco went to visit them.
Draco simply answered, "I wasn't able to see them."
Padma and Luna had finally been told the truth about Hermione and Severus with Dumbledore's permission. Harry and Ron believed Hermione wouldn't mind telling the two girls since she knew how her best friends felt about their girlfriends.
During breakfast Draco explained what happened that morning and everyone was worried. When they looked up to the Head Table, Dumbledore, McGonagall and Pomfrey were talking excitedly. This gave hope to the friends while they continued eating.
Breakfast was almost over when the owls came in with the mail. One owl came to the table holding a letter addressed to all. The owl dropped it to the center of the table, Draco immediately reached for it and read:
Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Ginny Weasley, Padma Patil, and Luna Lovegood:
Are requested to meet in the Head Suite straight away after breakfast. All students are excused from morning classes.
Deputy Headmistress,
Prof. McGonagall
Draco handed the letter to Harry and it continued its way around the table. Once everyone read the letter they assumed it was good news or they would have been told immediately.
The students ate the rest of their breakfast quickly. They all finished within the same minute, grabbed what was theirs and ran out of the Great Hall straight to the Head Suite. As they ran by other students looked awkwardly at them. Several tried to stop one of the group if they knew them but no one stopped knowing McGonagall would be waiting; they had seen her leave a few minutes after the letter was delivered followed by Remus.
Harry, Ron and their girlfriends were still unaware of Remus and Ginny. The couple planned on leaving it that way for a while. Enough had happened recently without adding another shock to Harry and Ron.
The group reached the Head Suite in record time. Draco yelled the password to the portrait to let them in. Draco, the first one in, saw McGonagall standing in the center of the sitting room. She indicated for everyone to sit down. The others took the hint and sat without question. They knew it would only delay the news if they asked questions.
McGonagall held back her grin seeing her students rush in and sit down. Remus joined McGonagall before anything could be said. he was waiting next to the fireplace, no one saw Ginny when she smiled the littlest bit at him. Remus hinted back a smile of his own before looking to McGonagall to begin.
"Professor Snape and Ms. Granger have woken up," McGonagall said only.
All the students immediately jumped up and cheered. Laughing with happiness. After a few minutes they settled down. "Can we see her now?" Harry asked urgently.
"Not yet. They are currently sleeping but we do know that they woke up during the night," McGonagall explained.
"But why can't we wake them up?" Ron pushed.
"They need their rest. Both have been through extraordinary circumstances," McGonagall clarified.
"That's why all of you have this morning off of classes. To make sure you can them when they wake up again," Remus explained further knowing this would calm the boys down.
The effect was immediate, they calmed down. Draco was relieved. His 'family' would be all right.
----------
Hermione and Severus were alone when they woke up again but felt better this time. The stiffness in their bodies was still as present but not as bad as before. Neither spoke they didn't want to break the peaceful silence and they weren't sure if they could talk, their throats being so dry. Water was next to the bed for each to reach with ease and they drank greedily. When they felt better, Hermione snuggled back into Severus' space; he had no qualms about it.
Within an hour though the silence was broken. Dumbledore, McGonagall and Pomfrey came through the bedroom door. Hermione and Severus were still lying together but when the others joined both sat up and leaned against the headboard.
Hermione remained silent as Pomfrey looked over her and Severus. Severus, however, made a point though of giving Pomfrey dirty looks throughout the exam. But she easily ignored them being use to her patient. After Pomfrey stopped she looked to each, "You both are quite lucky. The amount of Cruciatus you suffered easily makes one's mind lost forever." She looked directly at Severus, "The beating you received I was amazed you weren't dead by the time you go back here with the amount of blood loss." She took another breathe, "As for you Ms. Granger..."
"Poppy I believe that will do," Dumbledore interrupted though his tone was soft.
"Severus, Hermione, how do you feel?" Dumbledore asked.
"Tired," Hermione answered first.
"Alive," Severus clipped off. He was not pleased with the interruption, he rather be alone with Hermione.
"Severus you must know first that everyone thinks you are dead. I announced it to the school," Dumbledore said waiting for any reaction.
Severus gave the slightest nod indicating he agreed. Hermione wondered what was said about her since she was gone just as long.
Dumbledore sensed what Hermione was thinking, "Hermione it has been reported you came down ill and are in the isolation ward in the Hospital Wing."
"Thank you sir. But what was told to Harry and Ron, I know they would demand to see me or have tried," Hermione asked.
"Yes those two were demanding to know about your fate," Dumbledore started. "They, Ms. Patil and Ms. Lovegood know the truth. They have been visiting you regularly along with Draco and Ms. Weasley."
This shocked Hermione, she didn't think they would be told how she was incapacitated, especially Padma and Luna. "How did they take the news?"
Severus was horrified Dumbledore let the students visit Hermione when she was within his presence and bed. The invasion of privacy irked him but he noticed Hermione felt better and would put up with anything to see her happy.
"As can be expected. But they have been supportive and eager to see you," Dumbledore said.
The four continued to talk. Dumbledore and McGonagall updated Severus and Hermione on what was going on in the school and with Voldemort. Since they lost Severus as a spy more attacks had taken place but Dumbledore had been able to keep control within the school. Eventually Dumbledore returned to the subject of Hermione's friends that were waiting to see her.
Hermione was eager to see her friend but knew Severus would not want to. "Sir, I would like to visit with them but in the sitting room."
Dumbledore nodded and moved to help her out of the bed with McGonagall's assistance.
[You could have stayed here, love.] Severus spoke mentally to her.
[It's alright and I'm sure Draco will want a few minutes with you alone also.] Hermione gave him a meaningful look, which he acknowledged with a short nod.
----------
When word was received from McGonagall, Draco and everyone else raced out of the door to the dungeons. They commonly used a corridor deserted of students and classrooms. Faster than they ever thought possible they arrived and knocked rapidly on the door, trying to catch their breathes.
The door was opened by McGonagall but she received them with a warning glare to keep calm. Their excitement was quickly put in check and they walked in to see Hermione resting on the couch. Her friends eagerly sat next to her asking repeatedly how she was and how she felt.
Hermione noticed a few looks of long, at the door that led to the bedroom by Draco. Hermione was able to catch his eye and tilted her head to the door, indicating he should go in. Draco got up from his position without hassle and left. Harry and Ron were telling stories of their past adventures while everyone was laughing.
Draco slowly opened the door almost afraid of what he would find when he already knew. Draco closed the door behind him, Severus was dressed and sitting in one of the chairs, placed in a small corner, reading a book.
Severus knew Draco had entered, he put his book down and looked up to the young wizard. "Sit down, Draco." Severus indicated the chair across from his.
"How are you feeling, Professor?"
"Fine and I believe we can drop the pretense Draco. You know I am no longer a professor."
Draco nodded, "Certainly, Mr. Snape."
Severus had to hold back his grin. The boy always did have manners and respect for Severus. "Draco, call me Severus. We have known each other long enough."
Draco was surprised at the turn around in Severus. Draco figured with his near death and being able to return with Hermione, the man had changed a bit.
"I assume your grades have stayed up?" Severus asked returning to his mentor role.
Draco was relieved, their relationship went back to grounds he was more comfortable with. He knew it would take time to get to the point of having a 'friendship' type of relationship with the older wizard. And even reaching that goal would be monstrous, referring to Severus was a 'friend' when he was not that type of person.
After a while the other students returned to lunch and then their afternoon classes. Hermione was excused from them for the rest of the week. Hermione decided to stay in Severus' chambers even with the option of going back to hers.
The two changed back into clean night clothes, though Severus just wore his boxers and a shirt because of Pomfrey and her meddling self would come to check on them often and unexpectedly. Hermione wished they could be as they usually were when in bed together: naked.
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Ginny and Remus sat together on his couch. It wasn't often the two could sit during the day together and relax, it seemed to always be at night, though they never complained about that.
Ginny was wondering when she would tell her brother about her relationship with Remus. Ron seemed to accept Hermione and Severus well enough. She knew Remus was worried how Harry would take it. Harry had started to look to Remus more for a father figure after losing Sirius. She hoped Harry would be happy for Remus and her. Ginny couldn't think of why they would object except for the age difference. But Hermione and Severus had the same problem. But obviously worked itself out.
"Remus, when should we tell Ron and Harry?" Ginny didn't have to say what about he already know.
"Soon, my sweet, after Hermione and Severus are better."
Ginny nodded and cuddled up against him again.
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To be continued...