I own no part of Harry Potter.

Thanks for the encouragement to all who have reviewed—I continue because of you! Sorry in advance for the long chapter and the continued drama, but it is a must...

The Secret Life of Professor Snape

The Fire Within

"They are no longer with us." The words reverberated through Ron's head as he awoke from a dreamless sleep. He looked over at his bed companion with sympathy and fear. "How will she take all of this?" he thought to himself, "What should I do?" There were no clear answers. All that Ron knew was that he had to be there for her, to protect her and to make her feel safe.

Hermione rolled over, the pain in her ribs forgotten as she felt Ron's arm around her waist. She felt herself blush and trembled beneath the contact. She felt so safe and satisfied lying next to him that she nearly forgot her grief.

The youngsters thoughts were interrupted by a nock on their door. Severus and Faustine slowly opened and stood in the doorway and the two teenagers sat up in bed. Severus was wearing a green cotton shirt and kakis while Faustine donned a white islet dress. The couple looked at the children with sorrow and anxiety. Finally Faustine walked into the room and sat on the end of the bed.

"Thank you for healing my ribs," Hermione blurted as Snape walked towards her looking quite terrified. He did not acknowledge what she said, he simply sat next to her and took her small hands in his. Hermione swallowed hard and stared at the Potion's Master, completely shocked and afraid. She tried to take back her hand, but he refused to loosen his grip.

"Hermione," he said with pained reserve, "At the Order meeting last night, I found out that your parents were attacked and killed during the raid at Headquarters."

Hermione's face turned ghastly white and she visibly writhed in pain. She waved off Severus and crawled towards the headboard of the bed and buried her face in Ron's chest. "No!" she sobbed, "No..." Ron threw his arms around her and held her close as she shook with devastating tears.

"Shhh 'Mione," Ron comforted her uncertainly. He rubbed her back and continued to softly say, "shh..."

Ron looked to Faustine for help, but she closed her eyes and put her hand on her heart. Not knowing what else they could do. Severus reached out and put a hand on Hermione's shoulder sympathetically as a single tear fell down his cheek. Ron saw the tear, but was too focused on Hermione to react. He simply continued to hold her and whisper words of comfort into her ear.

Faustine and Severus stood, knowing there was nothing that they could do and that they were intruding on a very intimate moment and went to the door. "If you need us Ron..." Severus offered kindly and Ron nodded a thank you as the couple left him to comfort his grieving friend.

Hermione was lost. She felt completely vulnerable and drained. Her best friend and her parents were dead, they were all dead and she could do nothing. Harry died protecting her and her parents died because of her. The overwhelming guilt flushed over her and she was racked with sorrow and anger. She cried and screamed into Ron's chest, effectively frightening him and making him feel her pain. The two clung to each other as if they're lives depended on it.

Hours went by and Hermione's sobs finally ceased as tears crept down her face little by little and her breathing slowed. She listened to Ron's pounding heartbeat and kissed his chest, grateful his strength and presence. Ron jumped a little, surprised by this act of affection, but said nothing. Hermione looked up at him and she saw that his eyes were puffy and red and that his face masked the ache inside him. She shuddered and snuggled closer to her friend. The two spent the morning and afternoon curled up on the bed on the fourth floor of the building. They said little with words, but expressed themselves fully with their eyes and hearts. They consoled each other and the loneliness in their hearts eased.

At half past three, Faustine entered the darkened bedroom and sat at the foot of the bed. She felt the torture of the grief that the teenagers felt and was exhausted from their radiating emotions. Ron acknowledged her presence with a week, "Hello."

"Hey Ron. I came in here to ask if you and Hermione would like to go to Harry's funeral," Faustine started. Ron and Hermione shot up at attention and stared at the pregnant woman willing her to continue. "It is tonight at dusk." The grieving couple moaned with dread. "Ron, your family will be there as will some of your friends, but I am afraid that it will be a rather small affair as we are still trying to keep it from reaching the newspapers."

Ron and Hermione gazed at each other with an unspoken agreement. Ron turned to face Mrs. Snape. "When do we leave?" he asked.

"We would have to go within the hour. Uncle Al has a portkey for us and he's asked that we help him prepare," Faustine answered.

Hermione stood on wobbily legs, "My I use your shower?" she asked, speaking for the first time.

Faustine genuinely smiled and took her hand, "Of course. Here, let me help you." Hermione and Faustine left Ron in the room alone as they went to the loo to prepare. Ron laid flat on his back and stretched. He was not looking forward to tonight, but he knew that he needed to be there. His family would bombard him with questions and he would have a hard time keeping himself together and not falling to pieces in front of everyone.

As if on cue, Severus tapped on the door and entered the room cautiously. "Ron, you may use the loo in our room if you'd like. I'm sure you want to wash up." Ron nodded. As if able to read his thoughts, Snape continued. "Don't worry about tonight, Ron. You don't have to put on a brave face. In fact, no one expects you to. This is a time for grieving and saying goodbye. Yes it will be difficult, but it is necessary and in the end will be good for you."

Ron stood up and sighed, "Why is it everything that's good for you is usually unpleasant?"

Snape laughed knowingly, "I have no idea..." he replied putting his arm on Ron's shoulder, leading him to the loo.

Ron stopped with sudden surprise when he entered Severus and Faustine's bedroom. The room was cinnamon colored and warm as a fire radiated from the hearth. The room, like the living room was filled with bookshelves layered with books, pictures and trinkets. On the walls hung muggle and magical pictures. One picture was of the Snape's on their wedding day. Both wore white robes and smiled excitedly as they kissed. Another was a muggle landscape. The room was lit with candles to reveal a four post canopy bed with white crisp looking linen on it. The room was orderly, but well lived in and was surprisingly comfortable.

Severus chuckled at Ron's response to the room. "Faustine has a way with decorating," he commented shyly.

Ron blushed. "No kidding. This flat is so...inviting," he admitted.

Severus smiled and nodded in agreement. "Yes Mr. Weasley, yes it is. Fausty wouldn't have it any other way." Ron snickered at the nickname as Snape led him into the loo. It was pale green with flora and fauna decorating the walls. The claw foot tub sat in the center of the room and was filled with warm water. Ron raised his eyebrows. "My wife is always prepared," Severus explained pointing to clothes and towels on a near by chair. With that, Snape shut the door and gave Ron some privacy to prepare.

Within an hour, Ron and Hermione were cleaned and dressed and ready to go. Ron wore a pair of jeans and a white bohemian style shirt of Severus' and Hermione wore a white dress of Faustine's. The two held hands and looked exhausted, but determined. Severus had changed into his dark robes and his hair hung long, black and stringy again. Hermione noticed the change and gave Snape a questioning look. "Back to miserable Professor Snape wear," Severus scoffed, eliciting curious looks from the teenagers. Neither had seen him smile or laugh at himself before.

Severus pulled a watch from his pocket and held it in front for everyone to touch. "On three everyone touch the watch and we'll arrive at Hogwarts," he instructed. "One, two, three," he counted as everyone touched the watch and felt the pull of the portkey behind their belly buttons.

Suddenly the four were in Professor Dumbledore's office standing directly in front of the old wizard.

"Faustine!" the old man cried kissing her cheek.

Faustine smiled, "Uncle Al..."

Albus beamed and then looked at Snape and shook his hand. "Severus. Some of your Slytherin's have told me that they feel neglected. You'd better go see young Mr. Malfoy before he implodes."

Severus nodded and with a quick, "Yes Headmaster," he was gone.

Professor Dumbledore then turned his attention to Hermione and Ron. Both stared at the floor, unable to meet his gaze. "Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley. Good to see you again," Albus said kindly. "The funeral tonight will have the Weasley's, the Longbottom's, some friends, and some Order members. It will be held in the Forbidden Forrest. Hagrid has seen to all of the details and all that you must do is show up." The teens nodded, but continued to stare at the floor. "I ask that you make no mention of where you are staying, or who you are staying with for your and their protection. Mrs. Snape will wear Auror robes and will act as security. As will Severus. After the service you will have time to see your families and friends and then I will bring you back here and you will portkey back to your secure location." Dumbledore coughed and looked at Hermione sympathetically, "Miss Granger, if you prefer, Faustine can escort you home directly after the service."

Hermione tightened her grip on Ron's hand and raised her eyes to the kind wizard. "Thank you Professor, but I'd prefer to stay with Ron."

Dumbledore nodded, "As you wish." Directing his attention to Ron he said, "Mr. Weasley, your mother has collected some possessions for both you and Hermione. You can take them with you when you leave."

"Thank you Sir," Ron mumbled.

Albus messaged his temples, "Well, we'd best be off." He took Ron's free hand and Faustine took Hermione's and the four apparated into the Forbidden Forrest.

It took a few seconds for Hermione's eyes to adjust to the darkness that enveloped them. In front of her was a tall pile of wood with a shrouded body on top of it. She shivered at the sight of Harry's body and again held on tighter to Ron. Ron saw what she observed and wrapped his arm around her, holding her tightly against his breast.

From behind him, his mother's arms wrapped around him and she cried into his hair, "Oh Ronald!"

He looked up to see his father and brothers and Ginny all standing around he and Hermione and he could feel the tears building in his eyes. From within his arms Hermione let out a muffled sob and that triggered his own tears to release. His father joined his mother in the hug, as did all the rest of his siblings. Everyone was just so glad to be alive and together that they didn't care who saw them break down.

Neville and his grandmother stood on the other side of the family watching them with wonder. Dumbledore, Remus Lupin, Minerva McGonagall, Semis Finnegan, Hagrid, Mad-Eyed Moody, Dobby, Nymphadora Tonks, Severus Snape, and many Aurors surrounded the bon fire and waited to begin the ceremony. The Weasley's and Hermione finally released each other and turned their attention to the funeral before them.

Albus took a torch that had been lit and staked into the ground and walked toward the logs supporting Harry's body. "I have had the distinguished pleasure of knowing Harry James Potter. He was a courageous, generous and gifted wizard who gave us the ultimate gift by sacrificing himself to defeat Voldemort. He was a friend and I am lucky to have known him."

Albus took the torch and handed it to Remus Lupin who whispered, "I wish I had more time with Harry. He was so like his father and mother—brave and loyal. He was an amazing boy and I'm glad I was able to know him. I know that he's with his parents and Serius now, so he'll be happy, which is what he always wanted."

Lupin brushed away a tear that dared to fall as he passed the torch to Minerva. She smiled, "Potter was horrible at transfiguration, but he was a great seeker and a magnificent leader. His death will be remembered as one of the most honorable events in wizarding history."

McGonagall gave the torch to Semis Finnegan who coughed out a "I'll miss you mate," and handed the torch to Hagrid.

Poor Hagrid! He was unable to quell the tears that spilled down his cheeks. He choked and snorted and sobbed, but could not utter anything of intelligence, "I... 'arry... miss 'em... love 'em..." Finally Hagrid gave up and handed the flame to Dobby.

Dobby stared at the torch with awe. "Thank you Mr. Hargid, Sir. Master Harry Potter was an excellent master to Dobby. Dobby was freed because Master Potter tricked Master Malfoy. Dobby loves Master Harry Potter and wishes he wouldn't have died." Dobby shrieked and handed the torch to Mad-Eyed Moody.

Moody nodded in acknowledgement, but said nothing as he handed the flame to Tonks. Her pink hair stuck up in the wind as she said, "May the Gods bless you and keep you Harry Potter." Then she handed the torch to Severus Snape.

Snape sighed and nodded in acknowledgement of Harry and handed the flame to Neville. Neville stared at the body in front of him and simply stated, "Harry was a good mate and I hope he's reunited with his parents at last."

Neville handed the torch to Mr. Weasley who nodded and passed the torch to his wife who sobbed and said, "Harry will always be a part of my family—one of my boys. I am so proud of him and so grateful that he saved my Ron. He was a good boy and it is a shame that he had to pass." Mrs. Weasley began to cry again and passed the flame to Bill.

Bill nodded out of respect and passed the torch to Percy who clapped his hand to his breast and bowed to Harry's corpse. The production was not lost on Ron who rolled his eyes and whispered, "Git," under his breath to Hermione.

Hermione elbowed him in the stomach in response and they watched on as Percy handed the torch to Charlie who nodded and handed it to George. George turned and he and Fred held the flame together. George spoke first. "Harry was a good sport. Always let us test out our new tricks and never told Mum." Fred continued, "He kept Ron and Hermione from killing each other and he saved our baby sister from that piece of rubbish, Riddle." Together they said, "We're glad he was here, but sorry he's gone." With that, they handed the torch to Ginny.

Ginny shook with grief. She tried to speak, but her sobs choked her and she was forced to pass the flame on to Ron without thanking Harry for his friendship and for protecting her. Ron kissed his sister's forehead and took the torch in his free hand. "Harry was a good mate—a brother. He and I shared everything and it's killing me that he won't be around any more. I'm glad that he destroyed bloody Voldemort and I'm happy that he gets to be with his family in Heaven, but I'm pissed that we can't play chess anymore or argue with Hermione together."

Mrs. Weasley shouted, "Ronald, language!" but Ron ignored her. He did however, stop talking and started to cry, but he continued. "And I won't get to see him become an Auror or fall in love and he won't get to see me do all those things. I hate bloody Voldemort and I hope he rots in Hell for all he's done to us. I just want my friend back." Ron turned to Hermione who held him as he cried. She took the torch and started to walk with Ron to the wood and they lit the pilings together.

"Harry was my brother. He protected me, fought with me, studied with me and consoled me, but he never let me return the favor." Tears fell freely down Hermione's face as she continued. "He was haunted by Voldemort for his entire life and did not have the happy childhood and innocence that the rest of us were allowed. He was brave and crazy and wonderful. I don't know how Ron and I'll make it without him." Hermione paused as sobs racked through her. "I could really use his comfort right about now. I'm a new orphan and I could use his... expertise. I hate him for dying. I hate them all for dying. I just with I'd never been a witch. Then my parents would be alive and so would Harry." Ron tried to stop Hermione by pulling her into a hug, but she pushed away. "No Ron. If I hadn't needed help you wouldn't have tried to rescue me and if you hadn't rescued me then you wouldn't have been hurt and Harry wouldn't have been forced to face Voldemort. He would be alive! We would be at school! Don't you see, none of this would have happened!" she shouted as her body trembled and sobs escaped her.

Albus Dumbledore walked over to Hermione and placed a hand on her shoulder. "If that were the case, then Voldemort would be alive and Harry would still have the threat of having to face him. It was his destiny Miss Granger, his purpose in life. He has given us all the greatest gift possible, freedom from Voldemort, and yet we are miserable. We all suffer from the fire within. We feel our loss burning at our souls and we want to release it, to break free. I'm afraid that there is no spell or incantation that can do this however. We must face each day and live it to its fullest. We MUST go on, otherwise, Harry's sacrifice was for nothing." Hermione continued to cry on Ron's shoulder as the flames burned throughout the night.

At dawn the group slowly walked to the castle. Once inside, Neville and Semis were escorted to the tower by McGonagall, Dobby, and Snape and the Aurors apperated back to their posts. Only the Weasley's, Dumbledore, Lupin, Hagrid, and the hidden Mrs. Snape remained with Ron and Hermione. They all went to Dumbledore's office and crowded in for a short visit.

Ron and Hermione sat on a trunk in front of Albus' desk. Charlie, Percy, and Bill walked up to them and patted their shoulders. "We have to go," Bill explained, "We have a raid tonight in Germany for the Order." Ron and Hermione acknowledged this information and Charlie leaned down to his brother, "Take care of yourself Ron, and take care of that bird of yours. Relax and rest and try to move on. It really is what Harry would have wanted." Ron's eyes glazed over and he watched as his brothers flooed out of the office.

Fred and George were the next to approach the couple. Fred handed Ron a box of chocolate frogs and George handed him a stack of Quidditch magazines. Ron stared at the items in wonder, sure his brothers loved him, but they'd never actually given him anything nice before. The gifts were given with pity Ron thought coughing back his tears and facing them bravely. "Thanks," he muttered abruptly. The twins smiled meekly, waved and disappeared from their sight.

Professor Lupin soon followed them, unable to talk or grieve publicly, he simply left quickly and quietly. Ginny stood firmly next to her father and he held her close as his wife fussed over Ron. Mrs. Weasley squeezed the breath out of Ron's lungs and cried bitterly at his dark circles and harried expression. She was saddened that her child had suffered so much and angry that he was forced to stay away from her for his protection.

"Dumbledore," Molly hollered. "Where are you keeping my son?" she asked as he approached. "I've asked him, but he refuses to say anything."

Albus' eyes twinkled, "Good. He's doing what he was told then."

"What!" Molly shouted with outrage.

"He was told to not speak about where he is staying or who he is staying with," Dumbledore explained.

"Why? I'm his mother and I have a right to know!" Mrs. Weasley bellowed.

"Because no one can know or the place and the people will no longer be secure," Albus clarified. "All I can tell you is that there is a secret keeper and an Auror involved and that they are in the safest place in the world."

Molly swallowed hard, not readily accepting Dumbledore's answers, but giving up on her assult. She looked down at the grieving teenagers with fear, "When will we see them again?" she whispered.

"Soon," Albus reassured her. "I'll send them to you as soon as we have Malfoy in custody and can assure their safety."

Hagrid stood and walked over to Ron and Hermione suddenly. He lifted them up into his arms and hugged them tightly. "Take care av each other," he choked as he put them down and walked out of the room.

"What was that about?" Ron asked suspiciously.

Albus smiled, "Hagrid is scared. He worries that you won't be able to return to Hogwarts, but you will..." he looked up at Faustine hidden beneath her Auror robes "and soon I imagine."

Molly saw Dumbledore's look at the covered Auror in the corner of the room and walked toward her. "Who are you?" she asked suspiciously.

Faustine dropped her head to hide her face, "Your child's guardian. As long as I am near, no one will be able to detect his magical abilities. I am a Secret Keeper and talented Auror. Your son and his friend are safe with me." Molly walked toward Faustine and tried to get a better look at her, but Faustine threw up a shield, blocking Molly from advancing. "For your son's safety, it is best that you do not know my identity at this time."

Molly retreated and went back to hugging and coddling Ron. Ginny could no longer hold back her tears and she sniffled, catching Mr. Weasley by surprise. He took his wife's hand, "Molly, we need to get back to the Burrow. Ginny needs some sleep and I think we should bring her home."

Ginny squeaked, "Oh Daddy! Thank you..."

Molly sighed and petted her daughters head, "I suppose you're right." She turned to Ron and Hermione. "Behave and be safe. Stay together and for Merlin's sake, stay out of trouble." She kissed them each on the forehead and walked to the floo to meet her husband and daughter. The three were taken in a puff of green smoke and flames within seconds and the room went quiet.

Faustine dropped her hood and walked toward the young wizards and her uncle. Hermione stared at the floor, but Ron met Mrs. Snape's gaze. "What was all that about?" he asked impatiently.

"All what about?" Faustine questioned curiously.

"Staying with you..." Ron repeated.

Faustine sat down in Dumbledore's chair, "Oh. It's just that my gift of the mind is not my only gift." Hermione looked at Faustine questioningly and she continued. "My grandmother, angry at Tom Riddle for abandoning her, wanted to protect her child from the wizarding world. She charmed my father to have a sort of innate cloaking devise where magical detection is concerned. No one could detect his magic or anyone within twenty feet of him and he passed that charm onto me. Therefore, as long as you are near me, no one can detect your magical abilities. Therefore, no one can find you. You are under a sort of Fillias Charm."

"Brilliant," Ron muttered. Hermione did not speak, but the corners of her mouth raised in a half smile.

Faustine jumped and raised her hood when Dumbledore's office door opened. Her husband walked in and snickered. "It's alright Fausty, just the old ball and chain. No need to disguise yourself." Faustine turned around and gave her husband a dirty look. "I suppose we should be off—unless there is anything else you need Headmaster?" Severus asked.

Albus sighed, "Actually Severus, I've heard that there is a Death Eater meeting tonight..."

Severus nodded, "Yes, there is. I'll be there, don't worry."

Dumbledore looked regretfully at the dark spy. "I do worry. You're a good friend and you're family. I always worry."

Faustine took her husband's hand, "He'll come back to me Albus, he always does."

In that moment, Severus Snape did something Ron was sure he was incapable of, he blushed. "Faustine..." he smiled, "Lets get the children home." Faustine nodded. She gave her uncle a hug and a kiss and picked up a satchel of Hermione's things. The others took hold of the portkey and they reappeared in the living room of the Snape's flat.

Severus levitated the young wizards' trunks and parcels to their room and then went to the kitchen where the group was eating. Ron eat wholeheartedly, but Hermione picked at her food. Faustine watched with anxiety at the grieving girl as she felt her pain course through her body. Severus took his wife's hand in his to comfort and reassure her. They watched on as the young couple also locked hands and attempted to eat their breakfasts quickly and quietly. The room was filled with morning's sunshine, but felt as dark as the grieving hearts within it.