Severus paced outside the bedroom door. Once he had placed Hermione upon his bed he had owled Minerva to bring Molly and herself to his home in France. He had done the best he could to heal the wounds, however she still needed treatment by a trained witch. Madam Pomfrey was in America, so Severus turned to Molly for help.
They arrived as soon as possible. Minerva was at the present time in deep discussion with Albus. A discussion Severus had been invited to but had been to distracted by the screams being admitted from his locked bedroom. Of course, Molly had brought guests. Unwanted and unwelcome guests. Not Ginny or even Draco. But Harry and Ron, who were at the time sitting on the bench outside the house watching the sun rise. How romantic for the two. Severus thought dryly. Still pacing. We wanted to be in the room. Molly had told him off for doing what he had thought best by closing over the wound. It had in fact caused internal bleeding. She had to reopen the wound to repair the damage. It had now been two hours.
He couldn't loose her. He just couldn't. How had she coped those months if she had felt the same? Hermione wasn't aware but Severus had also heard Rebecca's warning. Was it true? Would he always long to stand by Voldermort? Would he betray the one thing he loved. The only person who truly trusted him. If she lived, would there be that reasonable doubt in the way she looked at him? He would surly die from that look.
"Severus dear. Please sit?" Minerva spoke kindly. Severus hadn't realised she had joined him by the closed door. "You will need your strength for when she awakes-"
"If she wakes."
"I do believe her lungs are in working order dear boy." Minerva winced over yet another piercing scream. "We have matters to discuss with you." She sat him down at the table and poured him a generous cup of coffee. Albus sat deadly silent. "Remus-"
"The old fool." Severus sighed closing his eyes. He was bathed in the morning sunlight that came in through the large open front door.
"Does not approve of you and Hermione. The relationship between himself and Hermione's mother has disintegrated because she approves."
"Why do I not like where this is going?" Severus shot up quickly. Both Minerva and Albus looked grave.
"Recent events had Mrs Granger on anti-depressants. She was addicted.... You will agree love is also an addiction. With her growing relationship with Remus, her addiction to the medication faded. Until last night. She took an overdose- She's ok. She's in a muggle hospital." Minerva interjected when she saw the look on Severus' face. "We would like you to find Remus and tell him. Get him to go back to Hermione's mother." Severus thought. How could he leave Hermione's side? "She'll be fine my boy. Once she has awoken. We have something to ask you both. Have faith dear boy." Minerva placed her hand on his face to wipe the tear that fell.
"Where is he?" Severus asked weakly.
"Hogwarts!" Minerva looked at the table. "The wamping willow. I saw him go in as I left. I assure you if anything changes in Hermione's condition-"
"-Do I have a choice?" Severus asked weakly. Raising from the table.
"Not really." Minerva smiled weakly. Severus disappeared instantly through the large open doors. Startled by Severus' sudden appearance, Harry and Ron stopped kissing.
"Don't stop on my account. I knew you were destined for each other the moment you walked into my classroom seven years ago." Severus hadn't even looked at them. He smiled at the thought of the looks on their blushing faces. Hermione's thank you had been for looking after Harry when she had knocked him out. Now it didn't seem so cryptic.
Now for Remus and his affair with the mourning widow. The overdose wasn't the cause of Remus leaving. It was the affect. Severus saw yesterday that Hermione's mother had taken something. He could smell it on her. Of course the fight that started over his and Hermione's relationship had ended up on there own and her dependence on the drug. Severus didn't see what he could do. But he would try. With that thought he apperated to Hogwarts.
**************************************************************************************
Hermione awoke with a start. Her dreams had been of striking a death eater she thought was Dumbledore only to find the man behind the mask was Severus. As she sat, she became dizzy. A strong hand mopped her brow and eased her up.
"Severus." She whispered weakly, drifting in and out of consciousness. She swallowed. "Is it over?" He nodded. "Marry me?" He laughed. Placing his forehead to hers. There was no fear, or doubt in those eyes.
"When?" He asked simply. "Because I have just the ring." He pointed to her left hand where a ring had been placed on her wedding finger. The one Hermione had pointed out that night they had gone to Brooklyn Bridge. While she had been asleep that night, he had returned and got the ring. "I've had it since New York. When my memories were taken from my I still had it. Even through I couldn't remember. The ring always reminded me of you." She nodded and kissed him and winced at the pain in her stomach.
"Have you found out what happened to Lucius? Was he at your wedding?" Hermione asked pulling Severus onto the bed. Molly was outside talking to Minerva and Albus.
"Draco's killed him." Severus hadn't fully understood what Draco had meant when he said he wasn't going back. "He told him about Ginny. He didn't take it too well. It was Lucius or Draco."
"The prophesy! The unity of the two great houses of Hogwarts will bring down a great lord. I do believe he was a lord. A great lord, well known. Voldermort had no idea...." Hemione trailed off
"He will always fear us-" He was cut short by the entrance of Minerva. She cough politely.
"Albus would like a word." She stated calmly. "How are you dear?"
"I've felt better." Hermione smiled weakly easing herself off the bed. She crumpled. Caught by Severus, he put her arms around his next and carried her into the other room. He sat down at the tale were a meeting was about to be held. Hermione remaining lightly on his knee. How right it felt. How comfortable he was. How light she was, almost too light. It was true, she had lost a vast amount of weight over the last few months. Severus vowed to put a stop to it. She looked deep into Albus' eyes to show she was attempting to forgive him. Her vision then turned to Harry and Ron, who were both pale with worry. They also looked awkward at the situation. Hermione assumed it was the paring of herself with Severus. Unaware that Severus himself had publicly outed the pair four hours previous.
"I'm resigning my position as Headmaster of Hogwarts." Albus explained to result of many a gasp. "The position is going to Minerva." He pointed to the woman that was sat to his side. "Which means a place has opened up for a Transfiguration teacher. Hermione?" He looked to her. Her eyes widened.
"I've- I- Would it be possible. I came out of education only a few months ago."
"We have the utmost faith and respect in you Hermione." Minerva responded. "If you refuse I will be very offended." All she could do was nod.
"Severus?" Albus' attention turned to him. "Defence Against the Dark Arts-"
"I refuse." Severus answered shortly. He wanted to prove to Hermione he didn't long for the dark arts. Even if it was about defence. Hermione turned to look at him.
"You've been after the position for years." She brushed her hand against his stubbling face. "I always thought you'd cursed the position."
"I've always wanted you more!" He blushed at his honesty. He turned to Albus. "I'm am happy as Potion's master."
"As you wish my boy." Minerva smiled.
"So you going to lift the curse then?" Hermione questioned in a whisper that only he heard. A twinkle in her eye. He winked.
"Who will you get?" Severus asked, wishing he was alone with Hermione.
"I'm sure we will find someone." Minerva smiled. "Neville Longbottom perhaps. He had been our choice for replacement for Potion's Master." Both Severus and Hermione snorted.
"You're not serious?" Severus asked. Yes, the boy had picked up in his last year. However he would still blow the castle to smithereens if he was not on standby.
"Of course I wasn't serious." Minerva laughed as Severus let out a big sigh of relief. Minerva relived there and then; even if he had have accepted. He would have been back to potions within a week. Not even that, a day.
"What are you going to do Professor?" Hermione asked Albus. The sparkle was slowly returning to his eyes.
"I'm going on a long journey. Away from the fighting. Away from responsibility. I'm old. I am a weakness to you all. They know I can be controlled now. Perhaps a world tour." He sighed. "I will miss you all. Harry. These people have looked after you. For many years. They have protected you. You can not win this war by yourself. So look after them. Protect them. And you will win." With that note to Harry he stood. "Goodbye to you all. I may be some time." He was gone. Deep down, they all knew they wouldn't see him again. The guilt was too great and he honoured Hermione too much to ask her to remove his memories. The memories were his punishment. He would live them.
"I have things that need to be done before term starts. My my, what a turn of events." Minerva left with a pop.
"Can I have a word with Harry please?" Hermione questioned. Molly stood instantly, nodded and disappeared back to the Burrow after strict instruction to Severus. Both Ron and Severus made to leave. "You can stay." Hermione stopped them in their tracks. "I want an apology." She insisted. Harry furrowed his brow. "You tried to kiss me on the train to Hogwarts last year. I'm guessing it was your last ditch attempt to prove to yourself you were straight. I feel used Harry. All this moping of yours. Jealousy of my mother. Was all because you were confused about your sexuality?" He nodded solemnly. "I'm happy for you. I really am." She took the hand of Severus. "But I can't help but feel you've taken it out on me."
"I'm sorry Hermione. I'm sorry I haven't been there for you, and seen what had been going on. Forgive me." He had gotten up and knelt before her. She ruffled his hair.
"I will be honoured to fight beside you when the time comes. It will be soon Harry. I hope you are ready." She lifted his chin. He was crying. He nodded, but he didn't mean it. "Go home. And be nice to Draco." Hermione knew they had been tormenting him. She didn't know how, but she knew. "Besides. You need all the allies you can get, Draco is growing into a good man. Don't tempt him to the dark. His future lies on the blade of a knife. You tip him, we get an enemy." Hermione lectured. Severus knew right then she would make a good teacher. And mother. "That goes for you too Ron. He's about to become your brother-in-law." Both Harry and Ron stood, mouths open wide. "Now go home!" Hermione laughed as they disappeared with a pop.
"Miss Granger?!" Severus picked her up and returning her to the bed, he climbed in after her once he had removed his outer velvet robes, revealing a white cotton shirt. "You are going to be my wife and we did not discuss it with anyone." She pulled him carefully into her chest as he lay on his side facing away from her. Her head rested on his shoulder.
"I think they have had to process enough information for one day. And besides..." He turned to face her. "You're going to be mine. I want to keep it a secret for a little while longer. Just for today. I want mum to be the first to know."
"Can I make one correction?" He questioned, kissing her neck. She nodded, her eyes closing. She was drifting off to sleep. "I am yours. You don't need a marriage to tell you that." Her eyes were still closed. She sighed, inhaling his soothing scent.
"I know. But I want the whole world to know that I am in love with you. That even through people have put obstacles in our way, torn us apart we've still found each other and we're never going to left go. It's a shame, Remus didn't approve..." Trailing off into sleep, Severus pressed his lips against hers.
"I wouldn't be so sure about that my love." He closed his eyes. For the first time in years he slept peacefully. He didn't feel restless. He didn't have nightmares. Only dreams.
************************************************************************************
A/N: Last chapters coming up. I'm almost sad to see the end. Special Edition will be up soon. In it Chapter 19 and 20 might get put into one chapter.
Bowie's Leper Messiah So sorry I didn't get to you before now. But I never recieved an e-mail about your review....:Anyhoo, Yes I do like Orlando, I actually prefer long hair on a man like Jon Bon Jovi, not short and spiky. .Unfortunately, I would agree with you about Hermione not liking Orli, If she didn't have that big major crush on Gilderoy in Chambers.... Thank you for your review and I hope you didn't give up after chapter three because of the reference to Orlando Bloom. I can understand that you probably don't like him. His charm has actually start to wear off for me, as I did prefer him when he was not so well know. In addition to my statement. If I had posters of Alan Rickman, David Bowie, Anthony Stewart Head and Dominic Keating I would gladly take down my posters of Orli.
They arrived as soon as possible. Minerva was at the present time in deep discussion with Albus. A discussion Severus had been invited to but had been to distracted by the screams being admitted from his locked bedroom. Of course, Molly had brought guests. Unwanted and unwelcome guests. Not Ginny or even Draco. But Harry and Ron, who were at the time sitting on the bench outside the house watching the sun rise. How romantic for the two. Severus thought dryly. Still pacing. We wanted to be in the room. Molly had told him off for doing what he had thought best by closing over the wound. It had in fact caused internal bleeding. She had to reopen the wound to repair the damage. It had now been two hours.
He couldn't loose her. He just couldn't. How had she coped those months if she had felt the same? Hermione wasn't aware but Severus had also heard Rebecca's warning. Was it true? Would he always long to stand by Voldermort? Would he betray the one thing he loved. The only person who truly trusted him. If she lived, would there be that reasonable doubt in the way she looked at him? He would surly die from that look.
"Severus dear. Please sit?" Minerva spoke kindly. Severus hadn't realised she had joined him by the closed door. "You will need your strength for when she awakes-"
"If she wakes."
"I do believe her lungs are in working order dear boy." Minerva winced over yet another piercing scream. "We have matters to discuss with you." She sat him down at the table and poured him a generous cup of coffee. Albus sat deadly silent. "Remus-"
"The old fool." Severus sighed closing his eyes. He was bathed in the morning sunlight that came in through the large open front door.
"Does not approve of you and Hermione. The relationship between himself and Hermione's mother has disintegrated because she approves."
"Why do I not like where this is going?" Severus shot up quickly. Both Minerva and Albus looked grave.
"Recent events had Mrs Granger on anti-depressants. She was addicted.... You will agree love is also an addiction. With her growing relationship with Remus, her addiction to the medication faded. Until last night. She took an overdose- She's ok. She's in a muggle hospital." Minerva interjected when she saw the look on Severus' face. "We would like you to find Remus and tell him. Get him to go back to Hermione's mother." Severus thought. How could he leave Hermione's side? "She'll be fine my boy. Once she has awoken. We have something to ask you both. Have faith dear boy." Minerva placed her hand on his face to wipe the tear that fell.
"Where is he?" Severus asked weakly.
"Hogwarts!" Minerva looked at the table. "The wamping willow. I saw him go in as I left. I assure you if anything changes in Hermione's condition-"
"-Do I have a choice?" Severus asked weakly. Raising from the table.
"Not really." Minerva smiled weakly. Severus disappeared instantly through the large open doors. Startled by Severus' sudden appearance, Harry and Ron stopped kissing.
"Don't stop on my account. I knew you were destined for each other the moment you walked into my classroom seven years ago." Severus hadn't even looked at them. He smiled at the thought of the looks on their blushing faces. Hermione's thank you had been for looking after Harry when she had knocked him out. Now it didn't seem so cryptic.
Now for Remus and his affair with the mourning widow. The overdose wasn't the cause of Remus leaving. It was the affect. Severus saw yesterday that Hermione's mother had taken something. He could smell it on her. Of course the fight that started over his and Hermione's relationship had ended up on there own and her dependence on the drug. Severus didn't see what he could do. But he would try. With that thought he apperated to Hogwarts.
**************************************************************************************
Hermione awoke with a start. Her dreams had been of striking a death eater she thought was Dumbledore only to find the man behind the mask was Severus. As she sat, she became dizzy. A strong hand mopped her brow and eased her up.
"Severus." She whispered weakly, drifting in and out of consciousness. She swallowed. "Is it over?" He nodded. "Marry me?" He laughed. Placing his forehead to hers. There was no fear, or doubt in those eyes.
"When?" He asked simply. "Because I have just the ring." He pointed to her left hand where a ring had been placed on her wedding finger. The one Hermione had pointed out that night they had gone to Brooklyn Bridge. While she had been asleep that night, he had returned and got the ring. "I've had it since New York. When my memories were taken from my I still had it. Even through I couldn't remember. The ring always reminded me of you." She nodded and kissed him and winced at the pain in her stomach.
"Have you found out what happened to Lucius? Was he at your wedding?" Hermione asked pulling Severus onto the bed. Molly was outside talking to Minerva and Albus.
"Draco's killed him." Severus hadn't fully understood what Draco had meant when he said he wasn't going back. "He told him about Ginny. He didn't take it too well. It was Lucius or Draco."
"The prophesy! The unity of the two great houses of Hogwarts will bring down a great lord. I do believe he was a lord. A great lord, well known. Voldermort had no idea...." Hemione trailed off
"He will always fear us-" He was cut short by the entrance of Minerva. She cough politely.
"Albus would like a word." She stated calmly. "How are you dear?"
"I've felt better." Hermione smiled weakly easing herself off the bed. She crumpled. Caught by Severus, he put her arms around his next and carried her into the other room. He sat down at the tale were a meeting was about to be held. Hermione remaining lightly on his knee. How right it felt. How comfortable he was. How light she was, almost too light. It was true, she had lost a vast amount of weight over the last few months. Severus vowed to put a stop to it. She looked deep into Albus' eyes to show she was attempting to forgive him. Her vision then turned to Harry and Ron, who were both pale with worry. They also looked awkward at the situation. Hermione assumed it was the paring of herself with Severus. Unaware that Severus himself had publicly outed the pair four hours previous.
"I'm resigning my position as Headmaster of Hogwarts." Albus explained to result of many a gasp. "The position is going to Minerva." He pointed to the woman that was sat to his side. "Which means a place has opened up for a Transfiguration teacher. Hermione?" He looked to her. Her eyes widened.
"I've- I- Would it be possible. I came out of education only a few months ago."
"We have the utmost faith and respect in you Hermione." Minerva responded. "If you refuse I will be very offended." All she could do was nod.
"Severus?" Albus' attention turned to him. "Defence Against the Dark Arts-"
"I refuse." Severus answered shortly. He wanted to prove to Hermione he didn't long for the dark arts. Even if it was about defence. Hermione turned to look at him.
"You've been after the position for years." She brushed her hand against his stubbling face. "I always thought you'd cursed the position."
"I've always wanted you more!" He blushed at his honesty. He turned to Albus. "I'm am happy as Potion's master."
"As you wish my boy." Minerva smiled.
"So you going to lift the curse then?" Hermione questioned in a whisper that only he heard. A twinkle in her eye. He winked.
"Who will you get?" Severus asked, wishing he was alone with Hermione.
"I'm sure we will find someone." Minerva smiled. "Neville Longbottom perhaps. He had been our choice for replacement for Potion's Master." Both Severus and Hermione snorted.
"You're not serious?" Severus asked. Yes, the boy had picked up in his last year. However he would still blow the castle to smithereens if he was not on standby.
"Of course I wasn't serious." Minerva laughed as Severus let out a big sigh of relief. Minerva relived there and then; even if he had have accepted. He would have been back to potions within a week. Not even that, a day.
"What are you going to do Professor?" Hermione asked Albus. The sparkle was slowly returning to his eyes.
"I'm going on a long journey. Away from the fighting. Away from responsibility. I'm old. I am a weakness to you all. They know I can be controlled now. Perhaps a world tour." He sighed. "I will miss you all. Harry. These people have looked after you. For many years. They have protected you. You can not win this war by yourself. So look after them. Protect them. And you will win." With that note to Harry he stood. "Goodbye to you all. I may be some time." He was gone. Deep down, they all knew they wouldn't see him again. The guilt was too great and he honoured Hermione too much to ask her to remove his memories. The memories were his punishment. He would live them.
"I have things that need to be done before term starts. My my, what a turn of events." Minerva left with a pop.
"Can I have a word with Harry please?" Hermione questioned. Molly stood instantly, nodded and disappeared back to the Burrow after strict instruction to Severus. Both Ron and Severus made to leave. "You can stay." Hermione stopped them in their tracks. "I want an apology." She insisted. Harry furrowed his brow. "You tried to kiss me on the train to Hogwarts last year. I'm guessing it was your last ditch attempt to prove to yourself you were straight. I feel used Harry. All this moping of yours. Jealousy of my mother. Was all because you were confused about your sexuality?" He nodded solemnly. "I'm happy for you. I really am." She took the hand of Severus. "But I can't help but feel you've taken it out on me."
"I'm sorry Hermione. I'm sorry I haven't been there for you, and seen what had been going on. Forgive me." He had gotten up and knelt before her. She ruffled his hair.
"I will be honoured to fight beside you when the time comes. It will be soon Harry. I hope you are ready." She lifted his chin. He was crying. He nodded, but he didn't mean it. "Go home. And be nice to Draco." Hermione knew they had been tormenting him. She didn't know how, but she knew. "Besides. You need all the allies you can get, Draco is growing into a good man. Don't tempt him to the dark. His future lies on the blade of a knife. You tip him, we get an enemy." Hermione lectured. Severus knew right then she would make a good teacher. And mother. "That goes for you too Ron. He's about to become your brother-in-law." Both Harry and Ron stood, mouths open wide. "Now go home!" Hermione laughed as they disappeared with a pop.
"Miss Granger?!" Severus picked her up and returning her to the bed, he climbed in after her once he had removed his outer velvet robes, revealing a white cotton shirt. "You are going to be my wife and we did not discuss it with anyone." She pulled him carefully into her chest as he lay on his side facing away from her. Her head rested on his shoulder.
"I think they have had to process enough information for one day. And besides..." He turned to face her. "You're going to be mine. I want to keep it a secret for a little while longer. Just for today. I want mum to be the first to know."
"Can I make one correction?" He questioned, kissing her neck. She nodded, her eyes closing. She was drifting off to sleep. "I am yours. You don't need a marriage to tell you that." Her eyes were still closed. She sighed, inhaling his soothing scent.
"I know. But I want the whole world to know that I am in love with you. That even through people have put obstacles in our way, torn us apart we've still found each other and we're never going to left go. It's a shame, Remus didn't approve..." Trailing off into sleep, Severus pressed his lips against hers.
"I wouldn't be so sure about that my love." He closed his eyes. For the first time in years he slept peacefully. He didn't feel restless. He didn't have nightmares. Only dreams.
************************************************************************************
A/N: Last chapters coming up. I'm almost sad to see the end. Special Edition will be up soon. In it Chapter 19 and 20 might get put into one chapter.
Bowie's Leper Messiah So sorry I didn't get to you before now. But I never recieved an e-mail about your review....:Anyhoo, Yes I do like Orlando, I actually prefer long hair on a man like Jon Bon Jovi, not short and spiky. .Unfortunately, I would agree with you about Hermione not liking Orli, If she didn't have that big major crush on Gilderoy in Chambers.... Thank you for your review and I hope you didn't give up after chapter three because of the reference to Orlando Bloom. I can understand that you probably don't like him. His charm has actually start to wear off for me, as I did prefer him when he was not so well know. In addition to my statement. If I had posters of Alan Rickman, David Bowie, Anthony Stewart Head and Dominic Keating I would gladly take down my posters of Orli.
