Summary: Finding Dolohov

A/N: Thanks for reading! Some violence in this chapter. Nothing too gory.

Chapter 16

It was the end of class. Hermione turned to the blackboard and waved her wand, making her lesson plan erase itself. A knock on the door caused her to turn around. Harry and Ron were standing in her doorway.

"Hey!" she said as she rushed over and gave Harry a hug, then tentatively repeated it with Ron. "This is a surprise!"

"Yeah, we were visiting McGonagall on Auror business so thought we'd come by and say hi," Harry explained.

"Well, this is perfect timing because I just finished my last class of the day."

"Brilliant," Harry said with a smile.

"Why don't we head over to my room and we can visit."

She closed up the classroom and led them to her quarters. Waving her wand, the door appeared from nowhere. She opened it and let them through.

"So, what did you need to meet with Minerva for?" Hermione asked as she settled on the couch.

"We just got put in the case to track down Dolohov," Ron advised.

"Shouldn't you talk to Severus about that?"

"We have a meeting with him in an hour after his class," Harry said.

"So, what would Minerva know?"

"Being head of the Order, she is privy to some things most people are not," Ron continued.

"Oh, I see. I suppose you can't go into detail."

Ron shrugged. "Not really."

Hermione gave him a coy look. "I'll just ask Severus later."

Ron looked disgruntled. "He shouldn't be talking to you about that."

"Well, we confide in each other," Hermione said, biting her lip.

Harry gave her a surprised look. "Is there something you're not telling us?" he asked.

"I have to say, Harry, your powers of deduction have really gotten sharp over the years." She smirked at him playfully.

"Don't deflect, Hermione. What's up?"

Her eyes shifted to Ron and back to Harry. "We are a couple," she explained.

"What?" Ron ground out.

She shrugged. "We've been together for a couple of weeks now."

"Have you gone mad?"

"Ron… please stop it. Severus has changed a lot since the war. He's taken his deaging as a way to start anew."

"He's a bloody git, Hermione, and you're supposed to be with me anyway!"

"Ron," Harry murmured.

"No, Harry. This is ridiculous." He glowered at Hermione. "I knew this was happening. Didn't I tell you a couple of months ago Snape was trying to steal her from me, Harry?"

"Yeah, but we decided that was a bunch of bunk, remember?"

"Evidently not," he huffed. "I've let you be, Hermione, figuring you'd come to your senses about us, but now you've gone and involved yourself with Snape."

Hermione gave him a withering look. "Ron, trying to sneak a love potion to me isn't letting me be, and really, what do you expect with actions like that? It will be a cold day in hell before I consider being with you again."

Ron's face turned a puce color. "You're mine, Hermione. You'll realize that in the end." He got up and stormed out of her room.

Hermione looked over at Harry with worry. "He's scaring me, Harry. Why can't he just let it go?"

Harry's eyebrows knit together. "The war changed him, Hermione. He's more intense about everything now. Usually, it's not in a dangerous way, but… I'll keep an eye on him."

Hermione frowned. "I hate to have you do it, but his reactions are not sane."

"Maybe I'll have a discussion with my director. He can keep tabs on Ron better than me. We don't always work together."

Hermione got up and went over to Harry, hugging him. "Thanks, Harry. I keep trying to be normal with Ron, but every time we've gotten together, he's done something that makes me more and more nervous. I don't think I can continue meeting up with him."

"You don't think…?"

"I don't know what to think. He tried to give me a love potion the last time we saw one another. He's tried to hex me a couple of times when I wasn't interested in getting back together with him. He's dangerous, Harry. I don't want to see him again until he gets therapy and straightens his life out."

Harry nodded. "You're right of course. I'll tell him. Hopefully, he comes to his senses and seeks out help."

"I hope so."

ooo

Later that night after dinner, Severus and Hermione were grading papers together.

"Your two friends met with me before dinner."

"Oh, yes, they stopped by and said they had a meeting with you about Dolohov. Has anyone found any clues to his whereabouts?"

"I have finished his first journal and have started where you left off on his second. If he does have a hidden home somewhere, he's quite mum about it."

"Hopefully the second journal gives up some secrets."

"Minerva has heard from some of her contacts abroad that he was spotted in Portugal. I'm going to hurry through the journal to see if there are any clues within it leading to Portugal."

"So, that's what Harry and Ron went to see Minerva about."

"Yes, that's what Potter said. Weasley was acting… odd."

Hermione frowned. "I told both of them we were involved, and he went ballistic…. Stormed out of my quarters swearing that I was his."

"That would explain the glaring and snide comments."

"What did he say to you?"

"Nothing but a few muttered words under his breath that included git and arse. He also glared at me like I'd committed a crime."

"Being involved with me is obviously a crime," Hermione mused.

Severus put his quill down. "You need to be careful, Hermione. It seems like he's gone off the edge."

"I agree. I talked to Harry and told him I didn't want to see Ron anymore, and that he was scaring me. Harry is going to mention it to Auror Robards"

Severus gave a quick nod. "Still… be careful."

"I will."

ooo

Severus was reading Dolohov's journal. Hermione had reviewed about a quarter of it, so Severus dug in where she'd left off. He read through the brief entries. Dolohov was only fourteen. He spoke of Hogwarts a lot and the Slytherins. He spoke about being powerful and important. Seemed like he'd wanted power from the start.

Severus stilled. The next entry was at the end of the year. Dolohov was looking forward to spending the summer at their second home in Lisbon. He put the journal down. There was the answer, but where in Lisbon was the manor located?

Perhaps a trip to the Ministry would be prudent.

At that point, Hermione came out of the bedroom.

"Hey," she greeted, moving to him and sitting in his lap. "You're up early."

Leaning in, she gave him a sultry kiss.

"Mmmm, delicious," he told her. "I couldn't sleep, so I thought I'd take a closer look at this second journal of Dolohov's."

"Find anything?"

Severus nodded and showed her the entry. She read it quickly, then looked up at Severus with excitement.

"Lisbon! That's got to be it."

Severus nodded. "Would you like to go to the Ministry with me after breakfast?"

"Yes, I want to help any way I can. Where in the Ministry will we find information on a house in Portugal?"

"The Department of International Cooperation has a division for real estate. Any home owned by a British witch or wizard abroad is registered there. The records are usually kept secret, but with the Auror department looking for Dolohov, I think we can get a letter giving us permission to get that information."

"Perfect. Let's get ready and head out."

"So eager… I think we should…" He arched a brow at her.

"Oh, you do? I thought you'd be anxious to find out this information."

"An hour or so longer will not make a difference. Besides, I need to show you how much I care about you."

Hermione grinned and got up off his lap. Extending her hand, she pulled him up and drew him back to the bedroom where they enjoyed one another for quite some time.

ooo

Entering the Auror Department, Hermione and Severus moved to the Head's office. They were surprised to see Harry and Ron at desks doing some paperwork. Ron glared at the two of them, especially when he saw them holding hands.

"Hi!" Harry said. "This is a surprise."

"It is for us too. I didn't think you worked weekends," Hermione mused.

"We're low men on the totem pole. We work almost every Saturday," Harry explained. "What brings you here?"

Ron continued to give them death looks. Hermione chose to ignore him while Severus put his arm around her and pulled her close.

"We think we have a clue to Dolohov's whereabouts in Portugal. We're here to get a writ to get the location from the Department of International Cooperation," he explained.

"Oy, that's great! We may be able to track him down. No one is truly safe with him on the loose."

"Indeed," Severus said as he turned from the two Aurors and led Hermione to the Head's office. He thought he heard Weasley mutter for him to get his hands off her. He stiffened, and so did Hermione. They exchanged glances, Hermione giving him a quick shake of her head. He would leave it for now, but he would have words with Weasley before they left the office.

A few minutes later, writ in hand, they emerged from Robard's office.

"Wait for me out in the hall," he told Hermione as he handed her the parchment.

"What are you doing?"

"What I should have done weeks ago. Having a little conversion with Weasley."

Hermione's hand came up and grasped Severus' arm. "Severus… please."

"I will take care of this."

Hermione searched his face and nodded eventually. She turned and left the office area while Severus made his way back to Weasley's desk.

"A word?"

Weasley looked up and glowered.

"I have nothing to say to you, Snape."

"That may be, but I have something to say to you. Leave Hermione alone."

"She's not yours, you know."

"Funny, that's not what she says." He ignored Weasley's face turning red. "But she's definitely not yours, Weasley. She's made that quite clear. Stay away from her."

Ron stood up. "Don't threaten me, Snape. I'm an Auror. I'll have you in a cell in Azkaban before you can say Death Eater."

In a split second, Severus' wand was digging into Weasley's neck. Harry had stood and his wand was drawn at the two of them.

"Do not… threaten me. I can do things to you that no one would ever suspect as being Dark Magic," he snarled.

"Snape… Put your wand down," Harry directed.

He sneered again and slowly lowered his wand. "Do not underestimate me. It will be your downfall."

Ron turned to Harry. "Do you hear him? He's sitting here threatening me. Take him into custody!"

Harry lowered his wand. "Ron, you started it. Now lay off. And he's right. Like I've told you, stay away from Hermione."

Ron threw his arms in the air. "She came waltzing in here. I didn't go anywhere near her!"

"And keep it that way," Severus drawled. With a nod to Potter, he turned and swept from the office. His arm came around Hermione, and he drew her from the entryway.

"I didn't hear any spells being cast. Is everyone all right?"

"Everyone is fine. I just advised Weasley to keep away from you."

She nestled her head on his shoulder. "Thanks."

"He threatened me with Azkaban."

Hermione snorted. "For what?"

"He said I'd threatened him, but Potter saw it differently and told him to calm down."

"Good."

"Is there nothing more we can do, Hermione? Maybe you should go to Robards about this."

She shook her head. "He'll calm down."

"I doubt it."

They made their way to the International department and soon found the office that dealt with real estate. Hermione placed the writ on the receptionist's desk, and Severus introduced their reason for being there.

"I need any information on the Dolohov residence in Lisbon, Portugal–location, age, anything pertinent," he advised.

The woman at the desk picked up the writ and examined it. "Everything looks to be in order. Have a seat. This may take a while to dig up."

Hermione and Severus sat in the chairs by the door and locked hands. Hermione squeezed his hand. "We're going to find it, Severus."

"I have no doubt."

Hermione smiled at him, leaned in, and kissed him. He blushed as she pulled back. She arched a brow at him. He smirked at her and moved in for another kiss. They enjoyed each other for quite a bit until they were interrupted by the Matron returning and clearing her throat. They shot away from each other and Severus turned even more red. He stood and hurried over to the desk as if nothing were amiss.

"What did you find?"

She produced a deed and slid it toward him on her desk.

"Seems that it was easier to find than I thought. This is a copy you may take with you."

He picked up the deed and studied the location of the manor. Looking up at the Matron, he nodded to her.

"Thank you, madam."

She smiled at him. "My pleasure. I hope you catch the bastard."

"So do I."

With a bow of his head, he turned from her and held his hand out to Hermione, who had stood. She grasped his, and they left the office.

"Do you want to go back to Robard's office?" Hermione asked.

He shook his head. "I do not want to run into Weasley again. I will Owl him and seek him out on Monday."

"Hopefully, they'll catch Dolohov soon."

"I am sure I will be heavily involved in that catching."

Hermione frowned. "Can't you sit this one out?"

"I promised to help catch all of them."

"Please be careful, Severus."

"Don't worry, I will be."

ooo

The next weekend, Severus met Gawain and several Aurors including Potter and Weasley at the Ministry late at night. They Portkeyed to Lisbon, appearing near the Manor, which was on the outskirts of the city. The group quietly approached the house–a large Spanish hacienda painted white with a brick-colored ceramic tile roof.

Severus led them to a grove of trees, where they gathered and looked over at the manor. There were a couple of lights on in the household, which was a good sign.

Severus motioned at the house with his wand. "It looks like whoever is there is on the upper floor." He sent a spell toward the house. It stopped a few feet away from the entrance. "That spell is undetectable, so the inhabitants are still unaware that we are here. From the spell, I can take down the wards as soon as we reach them. We will have very little time to enter the house and get up to the second floor. I believe that whoever is there will meet us before we can reach the top of the stairs."

"He can't get through all of us," Harry said.

Severus looked over at him. "That's true, Mr. Potter, but which of us should sacrifice ourselves so the others can succeed?"

Harry looked duly chastised.

"We must shoot spells as soon as we enter. There won't be a chance to look around. I will head us through and cast forward. Potter, Gerald, you cast to the left, Robards, Weasley, you cast to the right. Keep casting until we've reached the second floor. When we get up there, if we haven't already encountered anyone, Weasley, cast a Point-Me charm. Everyone else, keep casting hexes and spells." He looked to Robards to add anything.

"We are cleared to use the killing curse once we see Dolohov. Before that, use anything else in your arsenal. Is everyone ready?"

They all nodded. Severus led them and quickly approached the wards. In a flash, he'd broken through them, and they raced to the manor door. Robards blasted the door in, and the spells started flying. They were halfway up the stairs when Dolohov and a woman appeared, shooting spells as they emerged at the top of the stairs. Severus shielded himself as had several of the Aurors.

The woman sent a killing curse toward Severus, causing him to have to duck and roll out of the way, basically falling down the stairs. He hit his head and was stunned for a moment. Potter stood in front of him, shielding him until he was back on his feet. Severus looked at him quickly.

"Thanks, Potter."

He nodded, and they ran back up the stairs, assessing everyone. Weasley was knocked unconscious at the bottom of the stairs, but the other two were still shooting spells at the two criminals at the top. Severus realized they were at a disadvantage, even though there were more of them. He sent a killing curse at Dolohov, who pulled a nearby large vase in front of him to block it. He sent a purple spell at Severus, who shielded it and sent another spell.

The woman next to Dolohov hit Severus in the chest with her purple spell, throwing him back down the stairs. Pain shot through his body before his head hit the floor and everything went black.

ooo

Hermione rushed through the halls of St. Mungos. She made it to the large Mediwitch desk and stopped.

"Where's Severus Snape?" she asked.

The Mediwitch waved at her, got up, and led her down the hall.

"He's in Room 301. I'll take you there. He was just transferred here from Lisbon a little while ago. They weren't sure how to stop the spell he was hit with."

"What spell was it?"

"We're not exactly sure, just that it was Dark Magic." She stopped at the room and let Hermione enter before her. Hermione rushed up to Severus, who was unconscious on the bed.

"He hasn't regained consciousness since the spell hit him. He did have quite the concussion from hitting his head. The Healer thinks that perhaps that is part of the reason."

"So, what is the spell doing?"

"It's been neutralized. We were able to counteract it when he arrived, but his injuries are extensive."

"What are they?"

"He was hit in the chest. The spell broke several bones in his ribcage, so we've given him Skele-gro. When the spell hit him, it radiated throughout his body, sapping his magic from him, and attacking his organs. They've all been injured. We believe the spell was supposed to create total organ failure. If they hadn't gotten him to the hospital so quickly, he would have died. As it is, he will need to be here for a couple of weeks to fully recover."

Hermione turned to her from watching Severus. "But he will fully recover?"

"Yes, he just needs to wake up."

"Will touching him hurt him?"

"No, just be careful with his chest. Those ribs are knitting together."

"Thank you," Hermione said as she turned back toward Severus, grasping his hand.

The Mediwitch excused herself and left her with him. Hermione sat on the edge of the bed, holding Severus' hand, fighting back tears.

"Severus," she whispered. "Please wake up!"

She waited, but nothing happened. Lifting his hand up to her chest, she held it close to her heart. "I'm here, love, and I'm not leaving until you wake up."

He made no movement, and she frowned at him. "Please, Severus."

Releasing his hand, she pulled her wand out and enlarged the bed. Crawling in next to him, she lay beside him and put her arm around his abdomen.

"Please," she said again before falling silent and steeling herself to wait as long as it took for him to awaken.

ooo

Severus slowly regained consciousness. As he did, he began to feel pain everywhere. He groaned as his entire body screamed at him.

"Severus?"

He cracked his eyes open to see Hermione lying next to him, her head lifted, looking at him with concern.

"Hermione," he croaked out.

"Thank Merlin you're awake," she said with relief.

"How long?"

"You've been unconscious for six hours since you got here, but it's been closer to twelve since you were hurt."

"That woman hit me with some sort of curse. What happened?"

"You hit your head when you were knocked down the stairs. The spell shattered your ribs and attacked all of your organs. They were able to counteract the curse and have given you potions to fix your organs."

He closed his eyes. "I feel like death. Why do I keep being killed, yet not killed?"

Hermione stroked his cheek. "Thank Merlin you weren't killed. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you, love."

His eyes met hers, and he gave her a wan smile. "I'm glad I survived. How long do I need to stay here?"

"The Mediwitch said two weeks."

His eyebrows furrowed. "That's a long time."

"Yes, but it's better than being dead."

"Granted."

Hermione rose from the bed. "I'm going to tell the Mediwitch you're awake."

"Wait."

She turned back to him. He crooked his finger at her. She bent low over him. His hand reached up, his fingers coursing through her hair, easing her head toward him. Capturing her lips he gave her a weak but loving kiss.

"Now you may go."

She smirked at him. "Incorrigible."

"Ah, but you love it."

Her eyes misted over, and she blinked hard to keep the tears from falling down her cheeks. "I do," she choked out.

Standing, she hurried out of the room. Severus watched her go before turning his head to stare up at the ceiling. He felt like shite. He expected to just stop breathing any second he was in so much pain. Hopefully, the Mediwitch or Healer could give him something for it now that he was awake.

The Healer came in closely followed by Hermione.

"Mr. Snape… Are you in a lot of pain?"

"Yes," Severus ground out.

The Healer cast a spell on him, which helped a little, then helped him to lift his head so he could take a pain potion. Taking the vial, the Healer helped him drink it.

"Norco potion," he said after taking it.

The Healer nodded. "You may have a dose every hour if needed. I'll leave a couple of vials here on the table." He placed the vials there and took some readings.

"You're healing… slowly."

"Can I get out of here before two weeks?" Severus asked.

"Sorry, no. That's the soonest you'll be able to be released. Your organs will take that long to heal enough for you to be able to move about normally."

Severus sighed. "All right."

"You're doing well. Your healing is where we expected it to be. I'll be back in a couple of hours with your healing potion."

"Sanitas?"

"It's a form of Sanitas, but because all of your organs were failing, we had to alter it somewhat."

Severus nodded. The Healer gave him a stern look. "Mr. Snape, this is the second time in a year we've had to save your life. Try and be more careful."

"Talk to the Ministry."

The Healer chuckled before turning to go. "Let me or the Mediwitch know if you need anything."

Severus nodded. He looked over at Hermione.

"Is Dolohov dead?"

She nodded. "Harry felled him. Actually used the killing curse. The woman with him was killed also."

Severus blanched. "Once again, Potter is the hero."

"Severus!"

"Sorry. Old habits die hard."

Hermione scooted into the bed with him. "Am I squishing you?"

"You're right where I want you to be."

He gingerly put his arm around her, drawing her closer and resting her head on his shoulder. She leaned into him, kissing his neck.

"I'm glad you're going to be okay," she said.

He squeezed her lightly. "Me too."

ooo

The Mediwitch had come in that evening explaining that visiting hours were up for the day. Hermione arched a brow at her.

"A word in private, please," she said as she rose from the bed and moved out of the room.

Returning after a few minutes, she settled back into the bed with him.

"You're not leaving?"

"I told them I was going to spend the night with you, and every other night until you were released."

"I'm sure that didn't go over well."

"Whatever do you mean?"

"Your magic is still crackling in your hair, love. I hope everyone out there is all right."

Hermione chuckled. "No one was hurt. I just needed to be a little more direct than usual."

"You are formidable, love."

She snuggled up to him, and they both were soon asleep.

ooo

Minerva covered Severus' classes while he was in the hospital, and of course, Hermione had to leave his side so she could teach her own. She rushed back after her last class each day and spent the rest of the day with Severus. He had several visitors as he recuperated including Minerva, Robards, and Kingsley Shacklebolt of all people. Jonathan had been by daily, sometimes bringing an article that they would discuss, or just chatted with him.

Now Severus stood in front of the seventh-year N.E.W.T. students on his first day back. They all were looking at him with concern, especially the Slytherins.

He cleared his throat. "Today, class, we will be working on…"

Ginny Weasley's hand shot up. He sighed.

"Yes. Miss Weasley?"

"Are you okay, sir?"

"Whether I'm okay or not really has nothing to do with this class."

"I know, sir. It's just that… we heard how you fought Dolohov and got injured." She looked around. "We all want you to know that we're glad you survived… again."

"Yes, it seems that even when the war is over, my life is in danger. I am fine, Miss Weasley. Thank you for asking."

He turned to the board and the potion recipe inscribed itself upon it. "This is a revision of the Wound-Cleaning Potion. It will give better and faster results–"

"Sir?"

Severus sighed once again and turned around. "Miss Greengrass, what is it?"

"Thank you for what you did. My parents have been worried that Dolohov was going to come after them."

Several other Slytherins nodded in agreement.

"They received threats from him?"

"My parents did," Joshua Avery muttered.

"I know Antonin Dolohov could be very frightening," Severus offered. "I, too, am glad that he is now gone." He refrained from stating that all the Death Eaters were now either dead or in Azkaban, knowing that a couple of the students had parents incarcerated currently. He eyed the group.

"I did what was necessary. Thank you for your gratitude, but I was only trying to make our world safer."

"We know," Weasley agreed. "We understand that is what you did for the entire war."

Severus cleared his throat. "Erm, thank you for your understanding. Now if we could get going on this potion. You'll have just enough time to brew and bottle it before the period is over."

The students set to work, and Severus sat behind his desk and watched them. They were all very adept at what they did, being N.E.W.T. students, so he didn't need to constantly be in their faces. That gave him time to think. He wasn't sure he wanted to think today, though.

Looking out at the group, he marveled at their understanding. The Slytherins especially were quite… kind. Even those whose parents were in Azkaban and had resented him for being alive and free, and possibly party to their jailing had all nodded or shown concern or gratitude about what he'd done.

He was thankful that most of the animosity had disappeared from those students, and this was just an example of that.

He marveled at their understanding. It seemed that the assemblies they were doing were helping. He was thankful for that. Hopefully, this group of students would be essential in fighting discrimination and not be so easily swayed like his peers who aligned with the Dark Lord had been. It gave him hope for the future. Perhaps all he fought for would build into something good.