Thanks again for all the support on this story and another big thanks to Pamela RR.
Disclaimer: All canon characters, plots, dialogue, and situations from the Harry Potter series belong to JK Rowling. I am not profiting from this work.
Hermione slammed the book shut that rested heavily on her legs. Despite the macabre content held within its aged pages, she made sure to mark her spot. She had found this particular book weeks before on one of her nightly ventures to the Malfoy library and it had taken her longer than usual to complete it. Blood magic was tricky, frightening, and extremely fascinating; however, she could only handle so many fine detailed descriptions of ancient rituals. Rituals that involved dismemberment, organ collection, or the precise movement of one's hand to easily separate skin from muscle. Definitely not on the Hogwarts syllabus. Hermione removed the book from her lap, focusing her attention on another glorious view which could only be expected from Malfoy Manor. She pressed her shoulder against the cold window, admiring the clear sky over the hill tops. Visiting the library without sneaking to it at night was a much better experience. Of course, she relied on Meeley this morning to take a look before she came down. Since she was now an "official" guest, quick visits to the library had filled in her week. She just made sure that no one was around when she did visit. She didn't have her wand and her right hook could only go so far. Hermione exhaled.
Even with the library's treasures surrounding her, her thoughts went to her friends. The image of Harry and Ron trying to survive somewhere out there made her chest ache. She imagined her friends trying their hardest to figure out their next steps. Their only goal to take down the dark wizard who murdered Harry's parents and caused so much grief to others. A wizard she can so easily touch without hesitation.
Her only small connection to them was Severus and she hadn't seen her brooding friend in a little over a week. She was worried about him, ashamed at herself for forgetting him whilst wrapped in the embrace of her lover's arms. She could only hope that he was alright, wishing that Voldemort's jealousy didn't turn into some kind of awful punishment.
"Good morning, Miss Granger." Hermione quickly turned to the familiar voice. Her chocolate eyes met a set of black.
"Severus?" Hermione was on her feet with her arms wrapped around his long neck. "Are you alright? What happened to you? I've been thinking about you. It's been so long." Severus released her arms from around him and squared his shoulders.
"I am perfectly fine, Miss Granger and I'm here to continue our lessons." Hermione furrowed her brow for a moment, then instantly nodded her head.
"Very well, Professor. Where should we begin?"
"Follow me." Hermione followed the bellowing tails of Severus as they left the library only then noticing he was also wearing a cloak. Severus led her to a glass door that faced a large garden. In the distance she could see a row of small identical greenhouses. When Severus opened the door a pop sounded next to them.
"Your coat Miss."
"Oh, of course. Thank you Meeley," replied Hermione slipping the dark plum peacoat over her.
"This way." Severus' step started to slow and their pace turned casual as they walked side by side towards the greenhouse. "Are you alright Hermione?" He asked quietly, pulling out a familiar scarf and wrapping it around his neck. Hermione smiled, noting the gray was absolutely the perfect choice. It stood out nicely against his custom black attire and pale skin. "I thought it wise to keep my distance until told otherwise."
"I'm fine, Severus, but please tell me what happened after the party." Her smile faded when he didn't answer right away. "Please." Severus discretely looked around their surroundings.
"He's not here," she said.
"I'm aware, he summoned me before his leave." Hermione raised a curious brow.
"He informed me to continue our lessons. It would seem he has moved past the incident of last week." Hermione stood there waiting for him to continue, she needed to know if any retaliation was aimed towards Severus. Knowing the wizard she loved, she knew Severus would not have been ignored for her careless actions.
"And?"
"I believe you can imagine what happened, Hermione." The softness in his eyes made her turn away from his gaze.
"Severus, I-I'm so sorry," she whispered, feeling warm tears fall down her cold cheeks. "It wasn't my intention to get you in any trouble."
"Don't be," said Severus, tilting her chin up towards his face. His thumb swept across her face, cleaning a tear from her cheek. "It wasn't the first time and I'm positive it won't be the last time I'll be hit with the Cruciatus Curse." Hermione shook her head. "I guess the silver lining to all of this is that you're now able to visit the Malfoy library."
"What?" asked Hermione, drying the rest of her face with her coat sleeve.
"After he finished...being a...merciful Lord." Hermione rolled her eyes at the statement. "He asked about your progress in your studies. I showed him your improvements in ingredient preparation and your skill at brewing my assigned potions, but you still faced limitations without your wand. I informed him until you are able to acquire one, that perhaps it will be best to study theory. He agreed and preferred you have access to the Malfoy library versus sneaking off in the middle of the night when he is away." Hermione stopped in her tracks with her jaw hanging open. "Why on earth would he not know, Hermione? I believe I was perfectly clear when I told you that house has eyes and ears," he replied with a stern tone.
"He didn't say anything to me or...Meeley. Oh, Meeley." Hermione turned to go back to the house she needed to make sure Meeley was ok. She didn't notice anything different about her little friend. But then again, she was too busy shagging the wizard who could have brought her champion so much pain. Hermione felt Severus's long fingers grab hold of her wrist.
"She's fine. The Dark Lord didn't approach or punish your house-elf." Hermione felt relief, knowing her friend was safe. She wanted to correct him that Meeley is not her House-elf, but now was not the time. "I wasn't punished again for your nightly adventures Hermione." She nodded her head in understanding.
"I'm so sorry."
"I don't need an apology from you. Just use that large head of yours and think before you speak. There's going to be a time when a shag won't get you out of your deeds. Close your mouth, Hermione. You look like a fish and I need your help harvesting some herbs." Hermione snapped her mouth shut and proceeded to follow Severus. When they made it to the greenhouse, she stopped before entering.
"Did he give you a reason? You know for..."
"Besides the fact that after each Cruciatus he cited the definition of "your" and expressed how fortunate I am to not be hanging from the end of my new scarf," he answered. Hermione didn't miss his dead calm sarcasm. "No."
"Damn him," huffed Hermione, shaking her head slightly. Severus raised a dark eyebrow.
"If he wanted a bloody scarf that badly he should've just asked me." Hermione finally entered the greenhouse but not before seeing the corner of her friend's mouth twitch. The small gesture enforcing just how much she missed him.