Chapter 9 – Injured

The three were the first to arrive. The room was the same room as before. It was dimly lit. A few seconds later, many other pops were heard and the rest of Death Eaters appeared. Once everyone arrived, Voldemort appeared.

They all bowed when he arrived.

"Welcome my faithful followers," said Voldemort.

The meeting took about two hours. For Hermione, it felt like two years. The whole meeting was about Voldemort's plan for the final battle.

When the meeting was over, Hermione , Draco, and Severus apparated back to Hogwarts.

"I'll tell the Albus about the Dark Lord's plans. You two should go get some rest." Severus headed to the Headmaster's office while Hermione and Draco went back to the head common room.

Over the next few weeks, Hermione's mood was slightly better. She still missed Harry and Ron, but Draco and Blaise made her feel better. She was still seeing Severus without anyone knowing except Draco.

One night, Hermione went to visit Severus. She flooed to his chambers and didn't see him sitting on the couch like he usually was, which caused Hermione to become worried. She checked his office and his classroom and wasn't able to find him. Finally, she went to his room and saw him lying on the floor half-conscious.

"Severus!" she exclaimed. "What happened to you?"

She levitated him to the bed and put the comforter over him.

"What happened to you?" she asked again.

"Lucius came and attacked me for no reason. We dueled and when he mentioned your name, I got distracted and he threw a powerful curse at me."

"I'm sorry I caused you to end up like this."

"Don't be."

"I'm going to get the headmaster and Madam Pomfrey."

Hermione left quickly, leaving Severus no time to protest. A few minutes later, Hermione returned with Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey.

Madam Pomfrey saw Severus and quickly shooed Hermione and Dumbledore out while she tended to him.

In the living room, Hermione was sitting next to Dumbledore on the couch. She was sitting there looking extremely nervous.

"Miss Simmons," began Dumbledore, "I know about your relationship with Severus."

Hermione looked at him and saw his eyes twinkling mischievously.

"How?"

"Over past few weeks, I've noticed a change in Severus' behavior. He isn't as cold as he usually is." Dumbledore saw Hermione's troubled look and said, "Don't worry. I won't separate you two." Hermione let out a sigh. "There is no wizarding law that says student/teacher relationships are forbidden. I think you should be the one to take care of Severus until he is fully healed."

The next day, Hermione had a lot on her shoulders. She had to take care of Severus along with Head Girl duties and studying for the NEWTS.

She stepped into Severus' quarters and heard familiar voices. She went to Severus' bedroom to check who it was and saw her parents talking to Severus.

"Mom, Dad, what are you two doing here?" she asked.

"Narcissa told us what Lucius did so we came here to see if Severus was okay," said Monica.

"I already said I'm fine Monica."

"Albus also told us some very interesting news," said Charles, his eyes twinkling like Dumbledore's.

Hermione tried to hide her flushed face, but it was useless.

"What did he tell you?" Hermione asked trying to sound innocent.

"He told us about your relationship with Severus."

"What? How can he tell you guys when I haven't even told Harry or Ron."

She looked at her parents, their faces showing no emotion.

"You're not mad are you?" her voice going quiet.

Her mother chuckled. "No dear, we're not mad."

"Then why were you guys so quiet."

"You two just remind us of ourselves when we were you age."

"What do you mean?"

"You see Hermione, your father and I have a twenty year age gap between us also."

"But you two don't look like it."

"Wizards age slower than muggles."

"Wow, I can't believe you guys never told me this."

"We thought it wasn't important so we didn't tell you."

Christmas was rolling around and everyone in the castle was busy. Hermione and Severus were still seeing each other. Hermione was glad that her parents weren't mad about her relationship with Severus. Severus was fully healed and teaching again which all of the students weren't too happy about.

Hermione was in Severus' quarters sitting on his lap with his arms around her waist in silence.

"I miss Harry and Ron," she said quietly.

Severus sighted. "You just had to ruin the moment."

"I haven't talked to them in awhile."

Then, Hermione had an idea.

"Can you bring them here so I can talk to them?"

"You know how much I despise those two, but if you really want to see them, I'll try to arrange a meeting."

Hermione smiled. "Thank you Severus, that means a lot to me." She turned around to give him a kiss. As she was about to pull away, Severus pulled her closer to him, deepening the kiss. Hermione opened her mouth to allow him entrance. She started to unbutton his robes and he pulled away.

"Are you sure you want this?" he asked her.

"I'm sure."

Severus silently led Hermione to his bedroom.

The next morning, Hermione felt someone staring at her. She opened her eyes and saw Severus looking at her. She smiled as she remembered the events of last night.

"Morning," she said.

"Morning."

She snuggled closer to him inhaling his scent.

"Hermione, as much as I want to stay like this, we have to get ready for class."

Hermione groaned. "I don't want to go to class."

"Did the know-it-all just say she wanted to skip class?" he asked in mock surprise.

"Fine, I'll get up." Hermione made to get up, but was pulled back down by Severus.

"We can stay a bit longer," he whispered in her ear huskily. Hermione complied and snuggled closer to him once again.

A few moments later, someone entered the room. Hermione's and Severus' eyes were both closed, so they didn't notice the person smirking.

A/N – Sorry for the wait I've been busy with school and since it's winter break now I can finally update. Also I'm making it up to you guys by giving you two chapters so please don't forget to review after.