A/n like thanks to everyone who is reading and reviewers is chapter is dedicated to Rainy Shooter.

Chapter three

Recovery

It had been two weeks since Severus had revealed his knowledge about Voldemort's weakness. It was all thanks to his new skills.

It had been two months since Hermione left.

It had been two months, but the pain was still as fresh as that day in Albus's office.

That day it had seemed as though Severus's world had stopped revolving, leaving him with a dull feeling deep down in his heart. Never would Severus acknowledge this feeling, knowing that it was the first sign of his getting over Hermione.

Everyday since he had found about Voldemort, Severus had widened his search. If the final battle was going to be soon, he wanted Hermione where he could see her. He was now sitting in Hermione's favourite chair in the study. He refused to call it his after it had been theirs for so long. Staring at the fire, Severus could feel Hermione's presence the strongest. He allowed the feeling to wash over him as he closed his eyes. Reminiscing in all the emotions Hermione could create inside him, Severus fell asleep, a smile playing across his lips.

"Severus." The voice of Albus Dumbledore rang out through Severus's living room, resounding off the many walnut bookcases.

He rose stiffly off the antique finish leather wing chair that he had fallen asleep in. Cracking his stiff bones and rolling his neck, Severus wandered towards the source of the voice that had awoken him from his slumber.

"Albus." Working the knot from his neck, Severus allowed Albus through the floo.

Dusting his robes off, Albus sat in the empty seat. "How's the search?"

"Don't patronise me, old man. You know that I know that you're hiding Hermione." Severus sat still working on his neck, wishing Hermione were here.

Chuckling slightly, Albus shook his head. "I merely was wondering, Severus." Rubbing his forehead he continued. "I do wish for you to stop searching though."

"And give you the satisfaction, old man." Sighing, Severus poured the tea from the kettle Albus had conjured only seconds ago. "I do swear to you however, I will break the charm you have used."

"And I will be ready with another until Hermione is ready to return." Sipping his tea, Albus regarded Severus. He had become stronger to the untrained eye, but to Albus, Severus looked drawn. His entire frame held the tenseness of someone on the edge. The hollow rims of his eyes held the only truth of Severus' suffering.

Severus had begun rubbing his neck again. "Damned chair."

Chuckling wholeheartedly, Albus looked befuddled at his potions master. "Excuse me Severus, did I hear correctly?"

Glaring at the headmaster, Severus berated himself internally for making a dimwit out of himself. "Yes Albus, you did. I fell asleep in one of the chairs in the study, only to awake at the sound of your voice. Now my neck is giving me hell."

Waving his wand, Albus voiced a charm. No sooner had the incantation left Albus's lips did Severus feel his neck ease as the charm massaged his stiff muscles.

"Thank you Albus."

Rising, Albus stepped towards the fireplace, "Stay well, my boy."

"I'd feel better if Hermione was here." Allowing himself a moment of honesty, Severus spoke to the headmaster. "I need a reason as to why she left."

"I'm sure all answers will come." Stepping through the fireplace, Albus exited the room.

Dreaming in his bed that night, an incessant beeping was pulling Severus out of sleep. Grabbing his wand and throwing himself out of bed, he raced to his classroom.

Someone had tried to break through his wards.

Rushing down the stone steps, Severus slowed at the open door. Pushing himself flat against the wall, he sprang round the corner, ready to curse anyone he found.

Finding no one, he reset his wards. Checking the classroom, he turned to face his desk, finding writing glowing upon his black board.

Hermione's writing.

Quickly doing the location charm to no avail, Severus sniffed the air, hoping for any lingering trace of Hermione's scent. Finding none, he read the contents of the board.

"Severus, remember I will always love you, no matter where I am,"

Clenching his fists again as the onslaught of emotions raged, Severus allowed four whispered words escape his lips. "I love you too."

Slumping his shoulders, Severus walked back to his chambers, hoping a glass of brandy would calm his lively nerves.

"Albus, he nearly saw me." The unheard voice was speaking in rushed tones.

"Yes dear, I am aware." Again Albus was sitting in his office, having an unheard conversation. "I'm sure that while it was risky, it was something Severus needed."

"As long as you're sure, Headmaster, but I won't be up for rushing about like that for much longer." Hermione's voice had calmed now, but she was still trying to even her breaths.

"Ah yes, dear. How is everything regarding that new aspect of your life?"

"It's great. Everything is going fine. I'm loving every minute." Hermione's voice had taken on an excessively happy tone.

"I'm glad everything is well." Taking on a less happy tone than Hermione's, Albus smiled. "How would you like some tea, dear?

"I'd love some. Give me two minutes, and I'll join you."

Two minutes later saw Hermione jumping from a small portrait frame sitting on one of Albus's many shelves. This picture happened to be one of Albus and Minerva at a summer cottage. It had taken Albus a couple of hours to decide on hiding Hermione within one of the schools portraits; choosing the cottage had been Hermione's idea.

Taking a seat, Hermione sat drinking her tea and chatting with the Headmaster.

I know this is smaller than my previous chapters but I felt this a good place to finish