A/N:Torture, cursing and death threats aside, I'm glad you all liked the previous chapter. I just hope this one will satisfy your desires. Thank you all for your reviews, and I'm waiting for more. (Small teaser: next chap, Dumbledore and Weasley bashing…and maybe a bit more drama than usual as secrets are revealed) Love you all. MoonShadow.
Chapter25.
Minerva McGonagall was a woman that prided herself with the ability to stay calm in any situation, and under any kind of pressure. But at the moment, not knowing what was happening above, was nerve wrecking.
Not to mention the idiotic questions she had been asked for the past three hours or so. 'When are we getting out of here?' Vector had asked, 'Any news from the battle?' then Sinistra, and so on, even though they were all in the same room, with only one-sealed- entrance, able to see for themselves that no one had exited or entered. It was tiring.
She looked in disgust as Ronald Weasley lounged, snoring, on one of the beds, different wrappers, or boxes of various sweets all around him. Minerva was ashamed to say that he was one of her cubs.
After they'd sent the first through third years to the back of the room and brought forth the others, both Ronald and Ginerva had stomped towards the teachers, demanding to know where their fellow classmates were. Of course, Minerva had told them what was happening above and that they were fighting, Ginerva had grinned and started praising Harry, saying that this was the day that he would become famous forever, that he'd defeat the Dark Lord and she'd have to push her way through scores of reporters in Diagon Alley when they'd marry. Of course Ronald had started arguing with her then, saying that Harry would lose, that without him, there was no Harry Potter, that without his best friend to help direct both wand and curse towards the target he was as good as dead. Then a right-out fight had erupted.
All the professors had watched for a few moments in awe as brother and sister were tearing into each other, too stunned to act immediately. Ron had stopped after they had removed the full body bind, but Ginny was still bound and silenced.
Another hour went by and she was still pacing in front of the entrance. Minerva didn't doubt they would win, the problem was the losses they would suffer. The DA meant the world to Severus and she knew if he lost even one he would be devastated. Even for her, the young witches and wizards meant more than just students now.
''Minerva…'' a calm Narcissa Malfoy placed a hand over her shoulder and she sighed. ''We're all concerned, but you know Severus will bring them back.''
Minerva looked the blonde woman straight to the eyes. Narcissa could play that calm as long as she wanted, but her eyes told everything her face didn't. And if the older witch was reading properly, Narcissa was moments away from hyperventilating. She couldn't blame her, no one could. Her son was out there, possibly dueling his own father at this very moment.
Nodding, she turned around to join the other professors, but just then Pansy Parkinson came rushing through the stone entrance, yelling for Madam Pomfrey.
For a few minutes no one knew exactly what was going on, where they were going, or who was shouting what to whom. But soon enough, the students were back in their common rooms, and the injured were taken care of in the infirmary. But no matter what was going on around them, both Minerva and Narcissa noticed the four missing people.
Locking eyes and nodding once in agreement, they both rushed out of the infirmary and towards the entrance hall, leaving the other professors to help Pomfrey with the injured.
Identical gasps left their lips as soon as they opened the doors leading to the grounds. The grass was no longer green, but a dark crimson, deep craters were visible from place to place and Minerva knew it was from the explosives that Severus and Seamus had created, body parts were scattered all around them, and they could see some of the vampires feeding on the Death Eaters that were already dead, or had the misfortune to fall in their clutches alive.
Ignoring everything, they started shouting name after name, hoping that at least one of them would answer. Afraid to start searching amongst the bodies, in case the vampires decided that they were part of the feast, they stood by the doors, waiting, for what they didn't know yet, but they waited.
Half hour later, maybe, Narcissa was openly crying on Minerva's shoulder, having lost any hope that her son and friend were still alive, but a gasp from the older witch had her looking up quickly.
There, walking slowly towards the castle were Severus with Harry and Draco on either side of him. The most disturbing though, was not the fact that they were slightly limping, or that there were scars, still bleeding, on each of them, no. What most disturbed both witches was the unmoving body in Severus' arms. The witch that gave them the hope of winning, the witch that fought tooth and nail to train and teach them everything they needed to know, the witch that brought Severus back to life…was dead.
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Hermione groaned and brought a hand to her throbbing forehead. With eyes still closed, she tried to think back to what had happened. She could remember battling both Alastor and Tezrian, she could remember Tezrian's sword slicing through her left wing, and Alastor's kick sending her into the nearest tree, and bringing it down in the process. She could remember spitting out blood just before decapitating Tezrian and piercing Alastor through the chest right after, she could remember falling to her knees and summoning the Hell Fire…but nothing else.
Cautiously opening one eye and taking in her surroundings, she sighed in defeat. She would recognize Lillith's study no matter what. Too many hours sitting in the armchair by the fire, reading book after book three years in a row made sure of that.
And that meant only one thing.
''Finally awake I see.'' Lillith's melodious voice came from the direction of the door and Hermione stood up, still clutching her forehead.
''My head is killing me.'' Hermione said then snorted. What else was there to kill if she was already dead?
Lillith laughed and presented her with a potion. Hermione quickly drank it and sighed in relief as the pain slowly disappeared. ''How did it end?''
''Well, Alastor and Tezrian are at the High King's mercy at the moment, and I doubt they'll escape Cerberus later, and the battle went better than I thought. The only casualties were amongst the vampires, on your side, and only a few remained from Voldemort's. You helped prevent the world from becoming a second Hell, Angel. I'm proud of you.''
Hermione smiled sadly. ''I'm glad I could help my lady.''
''Now why the sad eyes, Angel?'' Lillith frowned and Hermione looked at her incredulously.
''I know it was my duty to return and send the demons back, but I hoped I could stay. I hoped I would finally experience life without the threat of Voldemort, without having to look over my shoulder every five minutes, without Dumbledore's manipulations. A life with Severus. I…I don't know what I was hoping really. I know none of the Angels ever returned after completing their tasks…but I hoped…''
''Do you know why I chose you, Hermione?'' Lillith suddenly asked. Hermione kept her eyes on her hands but shook her head to show that she was still listening. ''Ever since those three escaped, I've been searching for someone worthy of the power. You had it all. You are powerful on your own, you had the thirst for knowledge, you are loyal to a fault, and when you love you give your heart. I was like that. Naive at first, believing everything I was told, never questioning, never braking the rules…until I tasted the forbidden fruit. It was called the tree of knowledge, and it was. When I bit into the flesh of that apple, I understood what power meant. What manipulation meant, what defying the one that had the upper hand meant. And I got cursed because of it. Because I wanted to know more than I was allowed.'' Lillith sighed. ''I don't regret it though. Never did and never will. But you understand what I'm talking about?'' Hermione nodded. ''Good. Well, none of the other Angel had all of that. Yes they were loyal, yes they wanted knowledge, but in the end they betrayed me. Do you remember me telling you that after you complete your task, you'll be stripped of the powers we gave you and return to being a normal witch? Good. What do you wish to do about that?''
Hermione frowned. ''Well, besides the fact that I'm dead and I can't use them as I would want to, it's only fair for you to take them back. I would only ask, if possible, to let me keep what I've learned here. There isn't much information on demons, your history or traditions in the wizarding world. But that's just about it.''
Lillith smiled and nodded. ''See, you understand that. The others tried to fight us. That's the main reason that the High King allowed Alastor to dispose of them.''
A shiver ran down Hermione's spine at the mentioning of the demon. She'd had enough battling him for ten lives. ''So, what now?'' she asked.
A mischievous grin suddenly appeared on Lillith's face. ''Well, now that you're here, I could start training you, and offer Tezrian's spot in the King's court…'' Lillith offered and watched Hermione nod slowly, eyes wide but sad, ''…or you could go back to your dark wizard before he invokes me and exorcises my arse out of hell…''
Hermione's head suddenly snapped towards her, and if the girl weren't in the depths of hell, and already dead, she was sure she'd snap her neck. ''What did you say?'' she asked, eyes full of hope.
Lillith laughed. ''Exactly what you heard. And you'll be going back with all your powers too. High orders…'' the goddess didn't get to finish the sentence as Hermione flung herself off of the couch and embraced her. Lillith closed her eyes and hugged her back. She could remember being hugged a few thousands of years ago, but this hug meant more than any other had. Discretely wiping a tear from the corner of her eye, she gently pushed Hermione away and looked her in the eye. ''Besides, we can't allow the best wizard since Merlin himself to remain unborn, now can we?''
Hermione gaped a few moments before starting to laugh and caress her stomach. It warmed Lillith's heart to know that she could bring that much happiness to a human. But Hermione Granger had ceased to be just a human the moment she opened her eyes for the first time in her study, all those years ago. And she could see that even the High King respected the girl to some extent.
''Now, you need to get ready. You are dead up there, and it will be somewhat painful. The time we've spent here is the same time there, so it won't be a problem.'' Lillith said and Hermione hugged her again.
''Thank you.'' Hermione whispered against her shoulder, ''We couldn't have done it without your help.''
''Oh, do stop with the flattering.'' Lillith laughed and pushed her away gently. ''Don't forget to say hello from time to time.'' she winked and waved her hand over the witch's head, making her fade away.
Brushing away yet another tear, Lillith sighed and walked towards the door. Hermione may had softened her heart a little, but she just couldn't let Cerberus have all the fun…
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Severus remembered grieving his mother at the tender age of sixteen, he could remember the pain caused by Lilly's death, but he couldn't remember a time he'd felt so…utterly wrecked. Yes, that was the exact word for what he was feeling. There was nothing else in the world that could make him feel otherwise.
Tears were freely streaming down his cheeks, but he made no effort to brush them away. Why would he?
From the moment he'd found her and found no pulse on her slender neck, and no warmth in her soft hands, he'd given up on everything. He'd seen both Minerva and Narcissa waiting for them at the entrance of the castle, but he'd paid them no mind. Still cradling her body in his arms, he had slowly made his way towards the Hospital Wing and to the room Poppy usually had him whenever he came back from Voldemort injured, and he hadn't left her side since. And that was almost seven hours ago.
Several members of the DA, Harry, Draco, Narcissa, Poppy and finally Minerva, had tried to get him out of that room, tried to take her away for preparations, but he didn't allow anyone to touch her. Even he wasn't worthy of that, what made them think they were?
Severus could remember just yesterday thinking of a life beyond Hogwarts' walls, a life with her as his wife, and a daughter, or a son…hoped that when the war ended she'd accept his proposal and the Prince engagement ring…thought of leaving everything behind and finding a beautiful cottage somewhere by the sea…thought of…many things. He sighed. Things that were now impossible.
Propping his elbows on his knees, he gently took her small hand in his larger one and brought it to his lips. He knew he had to let her go, but he wouldn't leave her. There was only one option for him now, and he didn't care how selfish he felt at the moment. He needed her.
A humorless laugh escaped his throat as he remembered having the same thoughts about her that Halloween night. That faithful night when he'd started discovering the true Hermione Granger. He honestly couldn't quite understand how he'd insulted and degraded her five years in a row, and yet come to love her in a few months. True, he'd always only thought of her as the annoying Gryffindor student, and friend of James Potter's son, but not anymore. Hermione Granger became his reason for living and now that reason was gone.
Closing his eyes and kissing her cold forehead, Severus stood from his chair and headed towards the door. He'd just managed to touch the handle when an unearthly, piercing scream broke the silence of the room.
Spinning on his heels, robes swirling around his feet, he watched in panic as Hermione's back arched from the mattress, her hands holding the sheets tightly. Her beautiful eyes were flashing between golden, red and their normal warm amber color, her mouth still open, still screaming.
The door burst open just as a shimmering blue barrier appeared around her, and her body started to change to her Angel appearance and back.
''What is going on here?'' Poppy gasped as she entered the room, followed by Harry and Draco.
''I…I don't know…'' He truly didn't. For the past seven hours she'd been unresponsive and unmoving. There was no reasonable explanation for what they were seeing.
The screaming continued for a few minutes, and she'd started trashing about at one point, but no one could pass the damn barrier to check on her. Several people, that Severus supposed had come to try and get him away again, had entered the room now and were hovering by the door, curious to what was happening.
What seemed like hours later, the barrier finally fell and she stopped screaming…but remained breathing, a huge grin on her lips.
No one actually dared to get close enough, afraid of maybe imagining it all, but Severus finally swallowed the tight knot in his throat and took a step forward.
Her eyes were closed and she was breathing heavily, but the smile was still there.
''It is me, Severus…I'm back…'' her sweet voice brought yet another wave of tears on his face. Not caring what the others in the room might think, he reached her in two strides, pulled her off the pillows and in his arms.
She was indeed back. Her softness, her warmth, her scent…those couldn't be faked, and no matter how good he was at creating images, he knew this was the real thing.
''Severus, I need to check on her…'' Poppy said softly, but Hermione shook her head.
''I'm fine, trust me. I'm just tired.'' she said, snuggled closer to him then looked at Harry and Draco. ''I'm proud of you both. Of all of you actually. As soon as I'm out of here I want a full recount of what happened.''
''Yes ma'am.'' Both Draco and Harry grinned, gave her a mock salute and hurried out of the room to get the good news to the others.
''What happened to Dumbledore?'' Hermione asked, looking at a crying Minerva.
The old witch cleared her throat, ''He is currently held in one of the cells in the dungeons. The ministry has been informed, and there will be a gathering in the Great Hall this evening.''
Hermione nodded. ''I'll be sure to be there.'' Severus gave her a disapproving look, but he knew there was nothing that could make her change her mind. And the last thing he wanted at the moment was to argue. She was back. Back to him, and he didn't care how that happened. She would eventually tell him, but that wasn't important at the moment.
Yet again, life formed a new loop. It was disturbing really. For years, he'd had a steady life. His job as a potions master, having fun with teasing Minerva and Filius, and the only dangerous thing being the possibility of an exploding cauldron. Then, Voldemort came back and started disturbing his peace…and then Hermione happened. After sixteen years on calm, these past two years seemed more like a muggle rollercoaster. But there wasn't a minute of it that he regretted. Especially this past year.
He now had everything he'd hoped to have as a teenager. A woman he loved and loved him back, respect from his peers, and new friends…as annoying as they could be, every member of the DA was his friend and equal.
Closing his eyes, Severus buried his face in Hermione's thick curls and sighed. He finally had everything he wanted and he couldn't be more happy.
''Severus…?'' Hermione said slowly as soon as the room cleared.
''Yes?'' he breathed deeply, inhaling as much as he could of her Jasmine scent.
''What do you think of the name Caleb? Or Tyler?''
Confused, Severus pulled back and looked at the mischievous spark in her eyes. ''Um…I like them, I suppose. Why?''
Hermione grinned, ''So you wouldn't mind if I wanted one of the two for our son?''
''Wha…Our…'' he felt his eyes sting again and he swallowed hard. ''What do you mean?''
''Well…'' she smiled and started playing with the buttons of his shirt, ''Lillith was kind enough to inform me that in a few months we'll be the parents of ,and I quote, 'The best wizard since Merlin'. What do you think?''
Severus stared at her for a few moments, he wasn't even sure he was breathing honestly. A heir. A son he could love and spoil the way his own parents never did. A son with her, the woman that showed him what truly meant to be loved.
Unable to give her a vocal answer just yet, he pulled her close and kissed her with everything he had. This was a dream come true, a fantasy turned reality. There were no words to describe how ecstatic he was.
''I'm glad you feel that way.'' Hermione grinned and gave him another kiss. ''Now, are we going to trash Dumbledore tonight, or what?''
Laughing out loud, Severus just nodded and pulled her closer. Dumbledore always had his own ways in weaseling his way out of trouble, but with Hermione back, he had no chance in doing that now. Severus knew that the minx would rub the oil out of him, and he couldn't wait to see it.
A/N: Liked it? Hated it? Leave me your thoughts. Thank you all.
IMPORTANT! HELP! PLEASE HELP ME FIND THIS FIC!
-I've been driving myself crazy trying to find one damned fic that I liked. I can't remember the title, or the author;
-It was something about an attack on Hermione, and Severus being there; she cast a spell on him that binds them; she becomes very protective of him, and even injures Voldemort at one point (a cut on the cheek, if I remember correctly)
-That's all I remember at this time. Please, if anyone knows the fic I'm talking about, leave a message;
-Oh, and I remember it having a small number of reviews…at least it had then.
Thank you for reading this, and I will send a PM with a personal thanks to the one that finds it for me. I've been searching for two days now, without success.