Venesian Love

Venesian Love

Disclaimer: Everything you recognize, I don't own. This story isn't for money, just for fun!

Summary: It’s the gang’s 7th year. The war against Voldemort has become personal. Not just for Harry, but for Hogwarts favorite Potions Master, Severus Snape. With the start of a new years comes new trials and tribulations for everyone at Hogwarts. Will the gang be able to finally defeat Voldemort and live normal lives? Read and find out.

Chapter 7

The days past and still no sign of Severus. Even though Nicholas had been found, questioned and handed over to the Ministry, the Order was no closer to finding Severus. On December 23rd, Remus found Hermione in the lab stirring the potion for the final time that day.

“Hey.” Remus said as he entered the lab.

“Hi. Any word?” Hermione asked hopefully.

“No, but Tonks, Arthur and Kingsley haven’t reported in yet.” Remus answered sadly.

Hermione finished stirring the potion. She then sat down heavily on the sofa. Remus sat beside her

“We’re running out of time. He’s been missing for nearly a week now.” she whispered.

“Severus is strong. You know this. We’ll find him Hermione.” Remus said reassuringly.

Meanwhile Severus was laying in his cell. Everyday, Voldemort came to magically torture him, then Lucius, Goyle Sr., Crabbe Sr. and Bellatrix would come in to physically torture him. So far, Severus had yet to let out a single cry in pain in their presence.

“What a beautiful day. Wouldn’t you agree Severus?” Voldemort asked as he entered.

Severus couldn’t even raise his head. He somehow managed to open his left eye. His face was so bruised and bloodied, that it was almost unrecognizable. Severus could barely move any part of his body. He knew he was suffering broken bones and internal injuries as well.

“It’s a wonder you’re still alive. Hoping your precious Order of the Phoenix will find you? I think not. But don’t worry. I’ll make sure your whore gets a piece of your body back. Ha! Ha! Ha! CURICO!” Voldemort laughed as he once more pointed his wand at Severus.

Severus began to writhe and thrash. Somehow he was able to not cry out. After thirty minutes, Voldemort released Severus. Voldemort laughed evilly as he exited the cell. A few seconds later, Lucius, Bellatrix, Crabbe and Goyle entered.

“So you’re still alive? Well, I think we can fix that. Don’t you agree boys?” Bellatrix asked sweetly.

The physical torture began. The only difference was Severus began to cry out in pain.

“Aahh! Stop! Please!” Severus screamed.

“Begging for mercy?” Lucius asked.

“AAHH!” Severus screamed as both Goyle and Crabbe slammed daggers deep into his sides.

The beatings continued for another fifteen minutes until something new happened.

“HERMIONE! FORGIVE ME!” Severus screamed then feel to the floor silent and limp.

Bellatrix stepped foreword and checked his pulse.

“He’s only fainted. Our fun has ended for the day.” she replied.

One by one they left the unconscious and bleeding Severus laying on the floor.

“SIRIUS! GET THE HELL IN HERE!” Remus screamed as he held a limp Hermione in his arms.

Sirius burst into the lab. The sight before him was horrifying. Remus was holding Hermione. She was ghostly pale and had a slight trail of blood flowing from the corner of her mouth. Sirius rushed to their side.

“What happened?” Sirius asked.

I…I don’t know. One second we’re talking and the next she gasped Severus’s name and fainted. I caught her a second before she hit the floor.” Remus answered.

“Get her to her room. I’ll call Albus.” Sirius ordered.

Remus sat at her bedside. He gently cleaned the blood from her face and also wiped off her forehead. Sirius returned a few minutes later with Minerva.

“Remus, has she awakened?” Minerva asked as she dropped her traveling cloak over a chair as she entered the room.

“No. Where’s Albus?” Remus answered.

“He’s at St. Mungo’s. Tonks, Kingsley and Arthur found Severus. He’s barely alive. Sirius told me what you told him. It would appear that she fainted at the same moment Severus did.” Minerva explained.

“Ugh. What happened? Severus!” Hermione gasped as she sat up.

“Take it easy Hermione.” Minerva said.

“Professor? Severus is hurt. I can feel it.” Hermione said.

“Hermione, Severus is at St. Mungo’s. Albus is there right now. He wants us all to wait till the healers are finished.” Minerva explained.

“How bad is he? Is he still alive? Please tell me!” Hermione begged.

“He’s not good. The healers say it’s a wonder he’s even still alive.” Minerva replied.

“No! He won’t die! He can’t die!” Hermione gasped as she covered her face with her hands.

Sirius sat beside her and held her as she cried. Sirius carried Hermione downstairs as they moved into the kitchen to wait for word from Albus. The night wore on. Hermione became more and more worried. Worried something had happened to Severus.

‘No! I would know if he was dead. I just know he’ll be all right.’ she thought.

It was almost nin in the morning when Sirius and Remus began making coffee and breakfast. They ate in silence. Soon, it was time to stir the potion.

“I’ll be back.” Hermione said.

She rose to her feet and headed for the lab. She approached the potion and began to stir it. No sooner was she finished than Remus entered the lab.

“Albus is here. He wants to see you.” Remus said.

Hermione rushed out of the lab and downstairs. She found Albus sitting at the table drinking a cup of hot coffee.

“How’s Severus?” Hermione asked.

“The healers have been able to stabilize him. But he’s not out of the woods yet. They have managed to heal his serious injuries.” Albus answered.

“I want to see him. Please take me to him professor.” Hermione begged.

“Very well. Minerva, you come with us. Remus, Sirius, you two stay here. Tonks and Kingsley will be stopping by shortly.” Albus said.

Hermione grabbed her cloak and followed the two professors out of the house. They made sure the coast was clear then apparated to St. Mungo’s. They quickly made their way to the reception area.

“Can I help you?” the witch behind the desk asked.

“Yes. Severus Snape please.” Albus replied.

“He’s on the fourth floor. He has a private room in the closed ward there.” the witch said.

“Thank you.” Albus said.

The three of them quickly and quietly made their way to the fourth floor. The last time Hermione had been on this floor, she, Ron, Harry and Ginny had run into Neville and his grandmother. At the door leading to the ward they knocked. An elderly looking witch opened the door and let them in.

“Who are you here to see?” she asked.

“Severus Snape. The witch at the reception desk said he was in a private room here.” Minerva answered.

“Yes. Poor thing. He’s a real fighter that one. At least he’s stabilized. He through that door.” the witch said as she pointed at the door at the end of the ward.

Albus put an arm around Hermione’s shoulders and steered her toward the door.

“You go on. Minerva and I will wait outside.” Albus said.

Hermione nodded. She took a deep breath and entered the room. She closed the door and faced her beloved. She gasped. If she didn’t know this was Severus she would not have recognized him. Hermione rushed to his side.

“Severus? My god, what did they do to you?” Hermione cried as she sat beside him and took his hand in hers.

“Severus. Please, please come back. Back to me. You can’t let that bastard win. The potion is coming along perfectly. You can’t give up. Come back, please come back.” Hermione begged.

The tears she was trying to hold back finally began to fall. She gently brushed her hand against his bruised cheek. His face was bruised almost beyond recognition. His right arm was in a sling, his chest was covered almost entirely in bandages. It broke her heart to see him laying there broken, bruised and helpless. Hermione leaned over him and hugged him gently.

Quietly Albus and Minerva walked into the room. Suddenly, the room was filled with a soft golden light that surrounded Hermione and Severus. Albus and Minerva stared in shock. After a few minutes the light faded. Severus began to stir. Hermione pulled away as his eyes slowly opened. He blinked a few times before he focused on Hermione.

“Her…Hermione? Am I dreaming? Am I dead?” he whispered.

“No. You’re alive. I’m right here.” she said tearfully.

“Severus how do you feel?” Albus asked as he and Minerva slowly approached.

“Sore. Yet I feel stronger. Where am I?” Severus answered.

“You’re at St. Mungo’s. I’m going to get a healer. Just relax Severus.” Minerva replied as she headed for the door.

“Hermione I…I’m…” Severus started.

“Sshh. Save your strength. We can talk later. Just rest.” Hermione said softly as she brushed the hair from his forehead.

Severus nodded. Just then, a healer entered. The witch looked to be in her mid-fifties, had graying auburn hair and dancing emerald eyes.

“Well, you’re finally awake Professor Snape. You really had us worried there for a while.” the healer said.

“Yeah. I was worried too.” Severus replied as he looked at Hermione.

“Now, let’s check you over.” the witch said.

She pulled out her wand and began to move it over Severus. After about five minutes the healer looked up. Shock was written all over her face.

“What is it? Is he all right?” Hermione asked worriedly.

“Except for the bruising and his right shoulder, he’s completely healed. I…I’ve never seen anything like this before.” the witch answered.

Albus and Minerva glanced at each other while Hermione gently hugged Severus.

“I’m…I’m going to get the Head Healer and have him check on you as well.” the witch said.

She left the room. Once she was gone Albus turned and faced the couple.

“Hermione, when you hugged Severus before he awoke, something happened.” Albus said.

“What happened sir?” Hermione asked.

“A golden light surrounded both you and Severus. When the light faded was when Severus woke up.” Minerva explained.

Hermione and Severus stared at each other in surprise. Before either could speak, the witch and Head Healer entered the room.

“So, you seem to be feeling better. I’m Andrew Davis. Healer Williams here told me what she found when she checked you. Did anything happen to explain how this could have happened?” Andrew said.

“Professor, let’s tell them. Please.” Hermione said.

“She’s right Albus. What do we have to loose?” Severus added.

“Tell us what?” Andrew asked.

“Sir, this young witch and I are in love. We have also found out that our love is what witches and wizards call Venesian.” Severus replied.

“Really? Well, that explains it. Before Severus awoke, did you touch him or anything?” Andrew questioned Hermione.

“Yes sir. I hugged him.” Hermione answered.

“I see. I have seen a few cases such as yours. Your love for each other is what healed him.” Andrew said.

“What do we do now?” Healer Williams asked.

“I will run a final check. If everything is clear, he can be released later this evening.” Andrew answered.

Andrew withdrew his wand. This time Hermione felt Severus tense as the healer moved the wand over him. Severus closed his eyes as the healer began his scan. A few minutes later Andrew put his wand away.

“Just like Healer Williams said. Only bruising and your right shoulder.” Andrew reported.

“What’s wrong with his shoulder?” Hermione demanded.

“His shoulder was badly dislocated. We reset it. The sling is merely there to keep it in place. He can remove it in two days. But on that day I want you to come see me. Just to be safe.” Andrew replied.

Andrew and Healer Williams left the room. Hermione helped Severus sit up. Once he was comfortable, she sat down beside him.

“Thank Merlin you’re safe. I was so worried.” Hermione cried as she gently held him.

“I know. I was worried as well. I feared I would never see your beautiful face. God Hermione. I mainly feared Nicholas would find you and bring you to Voldemort.” Severus said tearfully as he buried his face in her hair.

“Severus, I’m going to return to headquarters. I’m leaving Minerva here to watch out for trouble. You two enjoy your time together.” Albus said as he patted Severus’s knee and left the room.

“I’ll be right outside if you need me.” Minerva said.

Finally they were alone. Severus held Hermione as close and as tight as he could with one arm in a sling. They remained silent in each other’s arms for nearly ten minutes.

“Severus, what happened?” she asked.

“Nicholas sold me to Voldemort. He did it because he still blames me for my mother’s death. Voldemort paid him 6,000,000 Galleons. I thought I was going to die. It was your love that kept me alive and brought us back together.” he answered.

Hermione held him. Severus clung to her as if she would vanish from his arms.

“Sshh. You just rest now. We’re together. I won’t let anyone take you from me. I promise.” she whispered.

Hermione eased him down so he was using her as a pillow. She gently stroked his hair as he fell asleep.

“How is he?” Minerva asked as she re-entered the room.

“He’s scared. I’ve never seen Severus Snape scared before. He’s sleeping right now.” Hermione answered.

“Poor Severus. I haven’t seen him this scared since his father was still alive. Albus and I have both spent the last twenty years trying to protect him.” Minerva said sadly.

“It’s not your fault. You and Professor Dumbledore couldn’t have known this was going to happen.” Hermione said gently.

Severus slept for nearly two hours. He woke up just as Healer Williams entered the room.

“How are you feeling Professor Snape?” she asked.

“I’ll feel better once I’m out of here.” Severus answered.

“I bet. Andrew just needs your signature on this form. He also said if you feel any pain a mild pain reliving potion should suffice.” the healer said.

Severus nodded as he read and signed the release form. He handed the form back to the healer. She smiled and left the room. After Minerva transfigured a set of Robes for Severus, they made their way out of the hospital. They entered 12 Grimmwauld Place about five minutes later.

“Why don’t you go to your room and get into bed. I’ll bring you something to eat and some hot tea.” Hermione said.

Severus nodded and headed upstairs. Hermione walked into the kitchen. There she found Albus, Remus, Sirius and Minerva.

“How is he?” Remus asked.

“I’m not sure. I do know he’s scared. I sent him to his room. What do we have to for food?” Hermione answered.

“There’s some chicken pot pies left from lunch.” Sirius replied.

Hermione gathered a few pies, a kettle, tea bags and some tea cups. She put everything onto a tray.

“Can I help miss?” a small male voice asked.

Hermione looked down. There she found the house elf from Severus’s mother’s house.

“No. I’ll take care of Severus tonight. I met you at his mother’s right?” Hermione answered.

“Yes. Me is Oron. Dumbledore asked me to comes here. If yous or Master Severus needs anything, just call. I’ll be right theres.” Oron said.

“Thank you Oron. If we need anything, I’ll call.” Hermione said with a smile.

Oron bowed. Hermione grabbed the tray and headed upstairs. Just as she reached the foot of the stairs, Oron reappeared.

“Miss?” Oron said.

“Please, call me Hermione.” she said gently.

“Well, before my Mistress Isabell was killed, she confided something to me. I feel obligated to tell you.” Oron said.

“What is it Oron?” she asked.

“She told me if anythings should happen to her to tells you that she approves of you and Master Severus. She also said for Oron to serve yous and Master Severus faithfully.” Oron answered.

Hermione was so speechless she nearly dropped the tray. She stared at the elf. After a minute or so she found her voice.

“Does…does Severus know about this?” she asked.

“No ma’am. Mistress made Oron swears no to tell him.” Oron replied.

“Then I won’t either. And thank you for telling me Oron.” Hermione said sweetly.

Oron bowed and returned to the kitchen. Hermione turned and headed upstairs. Her heart leapt at the thought that Isabell approved of her. She paused for a second outside Severus’s door then entered. She found him sitting at the window.

“Sickle for your thoughts.” she said.

“Just thinking about my mother.” he replied as he faced her.

Hermione smiled as she placed the tray on his nightstand. Severus rose to his feet and moved to the bed. Hermione did a quick heating spell on the pies and kettle of water. She poured them both a cup of tea then handed him a plate with a pie on it.

“Do you need help?” she asked.

“No. Luckily I can use both hands to eat.” he answered with a small chuckle.

Hermione sat at his side while he quickly devoured the pie and cup of tea. After eating his second pie, he leaned against the headboard.

“Those tasted just like the ones Oron used to make.” Severus sighed.

“They probably are. Dumbledore brought Oron here after…after your mother died.” hermione said.

“He’s here? Oron!” Severus cried.

A second later Oron popped into the room.

“Hello Master Severus. Hows are yous feeling?” Oron asked.

“Oron! Thank Merlin you’re all right. I’m feeling much better. A little stiff, but okay.” Severus answered happily.

“Me’s glad. Did either of yous needs anything?” Oron asked.

“Actually, could you make some of those sugar cakes you used to make for me when I was a child?” Severus asked hopefully, his eyes shinning like a little boy.

“Oron would be happy to. I shall takes this tray backs downstairs. I’ll be back with Master’s cakes.” Oron answered with a small bow.

Hermione smiled as she saw Severus’s face light up at hearing Oron’s answer.

“Seems my darling Slytherin has quite the sweet tooth.” she giggled.

“Yes. Oron and my mother used to give me sweets when I was a child. But only when my father wasn’t home.” Severus said sheepishly.

Hermione giggled as she climbed into the bed and gathered him lovingly into her arms. Severus relaxed instantly in her embrace.

“How’s the potion?” he asked.

“It’s coming along just as we predicted. I will go to stir the potion again at nine. That’s in about an hour.” she answered.

Severus nodded. They past the time talking about the potion. Just as she rose to her feet to go stir the potion, Oron reappeared with a tray of cakes. She giggled as she watched Severus practically drool at the sight of the cakes.

“Heres you go Master Severus. Just as yous likes them.” Oron said.

“Severus, I’m going to stir the potion. Oron, stay here and make sure he doesn’t make himself sick from eating too many cakes.” Hermione said.

Oron nodded. So did Severus who was already eating his first cake. She laughed as she left the room. She was still giggling when she entered the lab. Hermione set to work stirring the potion. As she stirred her thoughts returned to Severus.

‘I’m so glad and relieved we found him. He’s alive and well. Soon he will be fully healed. Then we can focus on defeating Voldemort.’ she thought.

As she finished she decided to tidy up a bit. She found a tea cup and kettle. She gathered them and headed downstairs. She had just passed Severus’s room when a sharp searing pain filled her abdomen. Hermione gasped in pain. Her hands began to shake so badly that she dropped the cup and kettle.

“Severus.” she gasped as she crumpled to the floor.

“Oron, did you hear that?” Severus asked as he heard the crash.

“Yes sir. It comes from outside.” Oron answered.

Severus got to his feet and left the room. He looked up and down the hall. He quickly spotted Hermione and hurried to her side. Gingerly he knelt beside her.

“Hermione. Hermione can you hear me? Oron, go get help. Hurry.” Severus ordered.

Oron vanished. Severus managed to cradled her head in his lap.

“Hang on sweetheart. Help is coming.” Severus whispered.

“Severus, what happened?” Albus asked as he knelt beside them.

“I don’t know. Oron and I heard a crash in the hall. We came to investigate and found Hermione on the floor.” Severus explained.

“Let’s get her into her room.” Albus said gently.

Albus scooped her into his arms and carried the unconscious Hermione into her room. Gently he placed her on the bed. Severus sat beside her. A second later Oron reappeared.

“Misters Remus and Sirius are outside. They are on their way. Whats can I do?” Oron asked.

“Oron, call Madame Pomfrey. She’s the mediwitch at Hogwarts. Tell her to brink her traveling kit and get here as soon as possible.” Albus ordered.

Oron bowed and vanished. A second later Remus and Sirius burst into the room. They stood at the back of the room talking to Albus. Severus sat at Hermione’s side. After what seemed like hours Poppy arrived.

“Oron here has explained what happened. I need everyone out of the room. Even you Severus. Please, I need to completely examine her and I can’t do that with all of you here.” Poppy ordered.

Everyone left, even Severus, though somewhat reluctantly. The group conjured up chairs and sat outside the door and waited. And waited. And waited. After two and a half hours, Poppy opened the door.

“I have given her a mild sleeping potion. At her bedside table is a pain relieving potion for when she wakes up. Remus, Sirius, Oron, you three go on in. I need to speak to Severus and Albus alone.” Poppy explained.

Oron, Sirius and Remus entered the room. Poppy led Albus and Severus to Severus’s bedroom. She closed and silenced the room, then faced the two wizards.

“Severus, I think you should sit down.” she said gently.

Severus and Albus both sat on the bed. Poppy took a deep breath then spoke.

“After I examined Hermione, I found what caused her to collapse. It seems Hermione was pregnant. I would guess she was about two months maybe three. She had a miscarriage. She lost the baby. I’m sorry Severus.” Poppy explained.

Severus sat there frozen by the mediwitch’s words.

“She…she…lost…our…our…child?” Severus stuttered in absolute shock.

“Yes. I’m so sorry. I don’t even think she knew she was pregnant.” Poppy answered sadly.

“No. No. No!” Severus cried.

Poppy and Albus both moved to his side. The tears flowed like rivers down his cheeks as he rested his head on Albus’s shoulder. Poppy merely rubbed his back.

“That…that…bastard. He…he…caused…her…to…loose our…child. But…it’s also…my…fault.” Severus cried.

“No Severus. You are not to blame for this.” Poppy whispered.

“Yes I am! Don’t you see! My love for her caused her pain! My pain! Because of that she…she lost our child!” he screamed.

“No! Severus listen to me. This is not your fault. Don’t even begin to blame yourself for this. There was nothing you could have done. Do you hear me? Now, there is a young witch next door that need you.” Albus said.

Severus looked up at the man who was like a father to him. He nodded slowly. Both Poppy and Albus helped him to his feet. After they unsilenced and opened the room, they returned to Hermione’s room.

“Good. I think she may be coming around soon.” Sirius said.

“Sev…Severus.” Hermione moaned.

“I’m here love.” Severus said as he sat beside her.

Hermione moved closer to him, seeking out his warmth. Severus reached over and lovingly stroked her cheek.

“Sshh. Just rest love. I’ll be right here.” he whispered.

“Let’s go. Oron, stay here. If they need anything come and get one of us.” Albus ordered.

Everyone left. Oron grabbed a quilt and covered Hermione. He then sat in the chair at the foot of the bed.

“Can I do anything Master?” Oron asked.

“No. Unless you can deliver Voldemort’s head to me on a silver platter.” Severus answered.

“Master Severus needs to get some rest too. Oron will watch over yous and Mistress Hermione.” Oron said.

Severus nodded. He climbed into bed and gently pulled her close with his left arm. Oron sat all night long and watched the two. As the sun rose on Christmas Day, Severus awoke to his beloved in his arms sleeping peacefully. He slowly sat up. Careful not to disturb her as he did.

“Good morning and Merry Christmas Master Severus.” Oron greeted.

“Merry Christmas Oron. Did you sleep?” Severus asked.

“Yes sir, a little heres and theres. Can I gets yous anything?” Oron replied.

“Some coffee would be nice.” Severus said.

Oron nodded and popped out of the room. Severus sat up against the Headboard and watched over Hermione.

‘Don’t worry Hermione. Voldemort will pay dearly for this. He will suffer.’ Severus vowed.

Oron reappeared with coffee just as Hermione began to wake up.

“Severus? What happened? The last thing…ow.” she asked painfully.

“Sshh. Drink this.” Severus whispered.

Hermione downed the potion Poppy left for the pain. Instantly her pain vanished.

“Would Mistress Hermione like some tea?” Oron asked.

“Yes please.” Hermione answered.

Oron snapped his fingers and a pot of hot tea appeared. He poured both a cup of coffee and tea for Severus and Hermione. Severus helped Hermione sit up.

“What happened?” she asked after they finished their tea and coffee.

“It appears that…that last night you…you suffered a…a…miscarriage.” Severus answered sadly.

“A…a…no!” she cried as she buried her face in her hands.

Severus wrapped his left arm around her as she wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face in his chest and cried. Oron gently reached over and softly patted her trembling shoulder.

T.B.C