Summary: Severus is asked to take one for the team.

A/N: Warning: Violence and beating in this chapter in the first half after the first break. The second half makes up for it. ?

Chapter 11

Two weeks had passed when Severus received an Owl from Draco to come by his room because they had to talk. He stood in front of Draco's door, wondering what the man wanted with him. The missive was somewhat odd as he wasn't due to report on Potter to him for a few more days. Severus knocked on Draco's door and waited to be let in.

Draco opened the door. He looked both ways to make sure no one saw Severus there, then motioned for him to enter his quarters.

"What did you need, Draco?" Severus asked as he sat down.

Draco sat across from him. "The Dark Lord reached out to me this morning. He wants to enforce your place with Potter," Draco said with a grimace as he said Harry's name.

"I think they trust me. Things are going well," Severus explained.

"Well, the Dark Lord wants to make sure that they do, so he gave me an assignment."

"What is it?"

Draco smirked. "The seventh-years are going to teach you a lesson about not fitting in with us."

"So, you are going to rough me up."

"Yes. We'll go easy on you, don't worry."

Severus knew they wouldn't go easy on him at all, but he just nodded.

"When will this beating happen?"

"Now, now, just think of it as a roughing up sort of thing," Draco said. "We'll grab you today when you're with them."

Severus' eyebrows knit together.

"No, don't worry. We're not going to do it in front of them. We'll pull you aside."

"How thoughtful," Severus snarked.

"We're just following orders, Snape. Don't get snippy."

Severus glared at Draco before sighing heavily. "You're right. I apologize. But you do understand that I'm the only one in this group that's going to be hurt."

"We have to sacrifice for our Lord, Severus."

Severus nodded. "Yes. Of course."

It didn't take long. Severus had settled down at the table in the Great Hall with Ron, Harry, and Hermione. Before he could even say anything, the Slytherins came up to them.

"We need to talk, Snape," Draco sneered.

"I'm busy," Severus said.

Draco's wand was at Severus' neck in seconds.

"Now!"

"Hey, put your wand away, Malfoy!" Harry said as his wand was immediately pointed at the blonde.

"Stay out of this, Potter. It's Slytherin business," Goyle said.

"Leave him alone!" Hermione cried. "Don't you see he doesn't want to be associated with you?"

"Shut up, Mudblood," Draco said as he shot her an evil look.

Severus held up his hands to still everyone.

"It's okay. Harry, Hermione, I'm fine."

"Back off, Malfoy," Ron demanded, his wand pointing at the Slytherin as well.

Malfoy looked fit to be tied. He glared at Severus.

"We'll talk later, Snape!"

With that, the four Slytherins retreated.

"Severus, you need to watch your back," Hermione warned.

He put his hand up. "I know. It's a plot. The Dark Lord wants you all to trust me explicitly, so he's going to have the seventh-years attack me."

Hermione's hand reached out to his. "You can't, Severus."

He leaned in and spoke in hushed tones. "Hermione, I have no choice. If I want to infiltrate the Death Eaters, I need to play Death Eater. If the Dark Lord wants to beat me to gain your sympathies, that is what will happen."

He pulled his hand from hers roughly and looked down at his book crossly.

"I'm sorry," Hermione said softly. "I just don't want you to get hurt. None of us do."

"Is there any way around this?" Harry asked.

Severus shook his head sharply.

"Well, I don't like it," Ron said grimly.

"I don't either, but I have no choice," Severus said with a resigned shrug.

They sat quietly for the rest of the study period, no one wanting to say anything more. As Severus rose and nodded to them, he saw the concern in their eyes.

"It's ok. I'll be fine," he said before walking out.

The Slytherins were waiting for him in the hallway.

"Come along, Snape," Zabini glowered.

Severus frowned slightly but headed down to the Dungeons. They led him to an empty classroom.

"We're going to have to rough you up even more now, Severus, so they know we're serious," Draco said solemnly.

"Of course," he said in resignation.

The Crucio came out of nowhere. It was excruciating and caused Severus to fold up into himself before falling to the ground. Draco cast another Cruciatus and held it. Severus screamed in pain, but Draco didn't let up. The other three cast similar curses causing Severus to scream even more.

The curses finally ended. The seventh-years started to kick him everywhere. Goyle got down and punched him in the face repeatedly. Their attack went on for several minutes before Draco called it off.

"Oh, come on, we're just getting going," Crabbe cried.

"Yeah, you spoil all our fun," Goyle agreed.

"Shut it, you morons. We're just supposed to rough him up. He's had enough."

Draco put his wand away, and the other three did the same.

"You should get to the infirmary, Snape," he said before walking out with the others.

Before Severus could do anything he lost consciousness.

Severus groaned as he regained consciousness, blinking to try to clear his mind. He could barely move his eyelids, his eyes were so swollen. After a minute or so, he tried to stand. His hands gave way, and he crashed down to the floor again. He took in some deep breaths and tried to assess his injuries as he lay there. Everything hurt. He thought he may have a broken rib, and he could feel how swollen his face was. He needed to get off the floor and seek out some medical attention. Struggling to his knees, he finally was able to stand. He lurched out of the room and slowly made his way to the Infirmary. He was tempted several times to just collapse on the floor and remain there, but he kept going. Thankfully, everyone was in classes, so he saw no one. He'd hate to have to explain to someone why he looked like he'd just fallen off the Astronomy tower.

Finally, he crashed through the Infirmary doors and tumbled to the ground.

Madam Pomfrey moved away from her desk and rushed over to him.

"Oh, Mister Snape, who did this?"

"Fell down the stairs," he said weakly.

"Well, let me levitate you over to a bed."

"No, I can do it."

He struggled to get up. Pomfrey supported his arm and had him lean on her as they made their way to a bed. Settling him in, she waved her wand and gasped.

"Cruciatus! Who did this?"

"I cannot say."

Poppy sent her Patronus off and continued to scan him.

"Two broken ribs. Multiple contusions and lacerations. Already some black and blues, and quite a bit of swelling on your face. Lie down so I can work on healing you."

At that point, Dumbledore came through the Floo.

"Poppy, what's going on? Your Patronus said it was urgent."

"Albus, someone has beaten Mr. Snape and used the Cruciatus multiple times. He won't say who did it, but something has to be done!"

Albus moved over to Severus.

"Mister Snape, what happened?"

"Can't say…"

"If you tell us who did this; they will be punished."

"No. Just fix me."

Albus leaned down toward him, pretending to examine Severus' injuries. He whispered in his ear. "Come by my office when you're better."

Straightening, he looked down at Severus. "My boy, I hope you reconsider and tell us who did this to you. It's grounds for expulsion."

Albus turned to Poppy. "Do you need my help with anything?"

She shook her head as she cast healing spells, so Albus turned and went back through the Floo. Madam Pomfrey worked furiously to fix Severus up. It took her a bit, but finally, she stepped away from him.

"Your ribs will take until tomorrow to fully heal. You'll need to stay here. I've applied salve to your injuries. They'll be better in the morning as well. I managed to fix your face so it shouldn't pain you. The ribs will be painful until the bones mend."

She waved her wand over him once again.

"That will help with the pain for the next few hours. Call me if you need me to recast it. I'll be in my office."

Pomfrey withdrew and Severus lay on the bed with his eyes closed sizing up how he felt. It was much better than before, but he still ached even with the pain-relieving spell. His ribs burned due to the bone growth and every once in a while he shivered from the effects of the Cruciatus. Everything hurt, but at least he was healing.

Hearing the door open, he kept his eyes closed, not wanting to be disturbed.

"Merlin, I'm going to kill Malfoy."

Severus cracked open his eyes and saw Harry standing next to his bed with Ron and Hermione right behind them.

"Don't," he ground out. "It will just cause more problems."

"Yeah, but it'll make us feel better," Ron clarified.

Severus smirked at that.

"Dumbledore got word to us that you were here," Harry explained.

"We came right away," Hermione piped in.

He looked at the three of them, all with concern on their faces. It warmed his heart that they cared about his well-being. There certainly had never been visits in his past when he'd been in the Infirmary due to the Marauders and their actions.

"Thank you," he said softly.

"We just wanted to make sure you weren't dead," Ron explained. "We'll leave you to your mending."

Severus nodded. Harry and Ron moved to go, but Hermione sat down next to the bed.

"I brought the latest Potions Quarterly. I thought I could read to you."

Harry turned to join them, but Ron caught his arm.

"C'mon, Harry. Severus only needs one person to read to him."

Harry looked between Hermione and Severus and nodded. Ron and he quietly left the Infirmary as Hermione smiled at Severus. She opened the magazine and looked at the table of contents.

"Hmm, New Uses for Dragon's Blood or Root of Asphodel, it's not just for Living Death Anymore. "

"Dragon's Blood," Severus said.

She turned to the correct page and began to read. She glanced at him repeatedly as she did. Finally, she put the magazine down into her lap and sighed.

"I'm sorry. I can't do this." She turned and faced him. "Are you sure you're all right?"

"I am as good as can be expected," Severus remarked.

Her hand shot to his. "Tell me what they did."

His eyes roved down to their clasped hands. It felt nice having her holding his hand, especially after being beaten.

"Hermione, it's not important. They beat me up. That's all that needs to be said."

"Did they hex you?"

Severus harrumphed. "Cruciatus."

Her hand squeezed his even harder. "That's unconscionable! I swear, Severus, I will get back at them for this."

His eyes met hers. "Please, Hermione, leave it. I don't want you to get hurt. Especially you."

A tear fell down Hermione's cheek. "But Severus, this isn't right!"

"Hermione… please drop it. I won't see you hunted by them."

Hermione bounded up from her chair and leaned into him, hugging him furiously. She ignored his tensing up.

"I'm so sorry, Severus. This is all so unfair."

"I accepted this, Hermione."

Hermione pulled back and looked at him. "You're so brave to take all this so stoically."

Severus looked into Hermione's eyes. He saw concern and caring in them… and possibly something else. He felt electricity shooting between them and hoped she did too because he was definitely going to act on that attraction. Reaching up, he cradled her head and pulled her to him, kissing her tentatively. He was thrilled when he felt her return the kiss, giving him encouragement. She opened up to him, and he intensified his kiss.

Finally, he pulled back and searched her face.

"You're okay with this?" he asked hesitantly.

She smiled at him and nodded.

"I've been wanting this for a bit now," she told him.

"Merlin, I didn't think you could want me."

She looked at him and caressed his cheek. "Why ever not?"

He absently reached up and grasped her hand, holding it where it was as if he were afraid she'd change her mind and pull away from him.

"Well, you are perfect, and I am… not."

She turned her hand and grasped his, pulling it down toward his chest.

"Nonsense."

"You deserve better."

"Stop it right now, Severus," Hermione said with determination. "I want you, not someone else. Every time you come into the room, I catch my breath."

He arched a brow at her.

"I do, you know. You captivate me."

He pulled her back down to him again and kissed her. Letting her go, he smirked at her.

"The feeling is completely mutual," he confessed before kissing her some more.

"All right, All right," an exclamation came from Madam Pomfrey.

The couple broke apart as if they'd been hexed.

"Now Miss Granger, I'm sure you're happy Mr. Snape is all right, but he has some serious healing to do, and you lying on him like that can't be comfortable with broken ribs."

Hermione jumped back and flew off the bed.

"You didn't say they'd broken your ribs, Severus! Why didn't you say something?"

"Honestly, you weren't pressing on them. The ones that are broken are low down. I didn't feel any pain."

She frowned at him. "You better be telling the truth, Severus Snape!"

Madam Pomfrey put her hands on Hermione's shoulder.

"Calm yourself, Miss Granger! You'd have known if he was hurting. I was teasing about that."

Hermione's cheeks tinged pink. "Sorry, Madam Pomfrey."

"That's all right, dear. You obviously care about Mr. Snape. You can visit for another half hour, then I want you to go back to your Common Room. He needs rest so the potions I gave him will work effectively."

They both nodded, and Hermione sat down next to him, grasping his hand. Madam Pomfrey disappeared into her office.

"You're sure I didn't hurt you?" she asked.

"Hermione, you weren't even touching my chest."

She gave him a sideways glance, smiling at him. "Okay."

She eyed him curiously. "When did you first realize you fancied me?" she asked.

"A couple of weeks ago. You smiled at me, and it was like everything in the world was perfect." His eyebrows knit together. "I was worried for a little bit. I thought if you knew I was attracted to you, our friendship would be over."

"I worried about that too. I found you attractive right away but really didn't think about the possibility of any kind of relationship until later on. I think it was when we did Occlumency training that first day. I knew then you were exactly what I wanted."

"Really?" Severus said in wonder.

She nodded.

"That's brilliant because you're exactly what I want, but I didn't think you'd ever feel that way about me."

"Severus, why do you think that? It's like you don't think you deserve happiness."

Severus turned his head and looked away, gathering his thoughts. Finally, he looked back at her.

"I haven't had acceptance for most of my life. My friends weren't true friends. My parents were awful. My dad always said I was a burden. From a young age, I've never thought much of myself."

Hermione squeezed his hand. "But you came here. Do you feel the same way here?"

He studied her as he contemplated her question. "No. For the first time, I feel like I have real friends. Ron, Harry and you aren't like Slytherins. Your friendship is real. I appreciate that."

She grinned at him. "So, can you accept good things happening to you, then?"

He smirked at her. "Cheeky."

"I'm serious, Severus. You deserve happiness. I want to help you be happy."

He gazed into her eyes before responding. "I am trying. I came here to find happiness and to help make a difference. I think that is happening, and I will attempt to be less dour about what I deserve. You have proven that good things can and do happen to me, and I'm not as awful as I thought."

She moved her hand from his and ran her fingers through his hair. His eyes closed as she gave him affection.

"I want you to believe that always, Severus."

Opening his eyes slowly, he arched an eyebrow at her. "I suppose I will need your help with that."

"I will gladly help you," she agreed with a smirk.

Leaning in, she kissed him.

"Yes, I'll need lots of that," he commented when she pulled away.

She smiled at him and moved in for another kiss. They were wrapped up in each other for quite a while before she pulled back.

"I should get going," she said with a small sigh.

"Do you think Pomfrey will notice if you climb in bed with me?"

She laughed. "Definitely."

Kissing him again, she finally stood up.

"I'll come check on you in the morning, okay?"

He nodded. "Sleep well."

"Good night, Severus."

He watched her make her way out of the infirmary and marveled at the recent turn of events. She truly cared for him, and that brought him to the realization that he'd definitely made the right decision to move into the future. He would have never found anything like this in his past. It gave him hope for what was to come.