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 8

Severus and Hermione made an appearance at breakfast. Albus and Minerva were there along with Sirius and Oron.

“How are you feeling?” Minerva asked.

“I feel numb. I didn’t even realize I was pregnant.” Hermione answered sadly.

“I’m so sorry. For both of you. Is there anything I can do?” Sirius asked.

“No. There’s nothing we can do till Voldemort is dead and gone.” Severus answered.

“Hermione, you and Severus take it easy today. I will take care of the potion today. Also, Molly, Arthur, Ron, Ginny and Harry will be coming over for dinner this evening. None of them know what has happened except Arthur and Molly. It is up to you two if you want them to know.” Albus said.

“That choice is up to you Hermione. By the way, where’s Remus?” Severus asked.

“Hogwarts. He went to get you some clothes. He left about half an hour ago. He should return soon.” Minerva answered.

Hermione and Severus ate breakfast in silence. They had just finished when Remus returned. He hugged Hermione and placed a comforting hand on Severus’s shoulder.

“Your things are in your room. Now you two take it easy today. Enjoy some time alone together.” Remus said.

Severus returned to his room after helping Hermione to hers to change. As he went through the things Remus brought him, he found two wrapped packages. The Christmas gifts he bought for Hermione.

‘I owe Remus.’ he thought with a smile.

He quickly changed, grabbed her gifts and returned to Hermione’s room. He found her dressed and sitting at the window.

“Hey beautiful.” he said as he closed the door.

“Hey yourself. Oh Severus, why did this happen to us?” she asked.

“I don’t know love. Don’t worry though, we can still have children. If you want.” he answered as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

“Yes, I want to have children. Especially your children.” she whispered.

“You mean that?” he asked.

“Yes. I love you and I want to be the mother of your children.” she answered.

Severus’s heart swelled at her words. He tightened his hold on her. Hermione rested her head on his shoulder.

“I have your presents.” he whispered.

“And I have yours.” she replied.

She got to her feet and opened her trunk. She reached in and pulled out a box. She then returned to his side.

“Here, open yours first.” Hermione said as she handed him the box.

Severus slowly unwrapped and opened the box. He removed the tissue paper. What he saw made him fall in love with her all over again. Inside laying on a velvet pillow was the first edition of the first book Severus had ever been published in.

“Hermione. Where did you find this? How did you know?” Severus gasped.

“I asked Dumbledore and McGonagall for help. McGonagall told me this was the first book you were published in. It was Dumbledore who helped me find it. Do you like it?” Hermione explained with a smile.

“Like it? Darling I love it! Thank you!” Severus said as he hugged her and kissed her sweetly.

Hermione smiled as he began flipping through the book. After five minutes he sat the book back in the box and gently sat it aside. He then reached over and grabbed Hermione’s presents.

“Open this one first.” he said as he handed her the first present.

Hermione carefully unwrapped and opened her present. She saw laying in the box, a piece of parchment. It read Look Up! She slowly did so. Before her was Severus kneeling on one knee.

“Hermione, you have shown me friendship, caring, compassion and most importantly, love. I love you so much. I will love you from now until I die and even after I die. Will you honor me and become my wife?” Severus asked.

Hermione tearfully looked into his ebony eyes. Her face broke into a huge smile.

“Yes! Yes! A million times yes! I will become your wife Severus!” she cried.

Severus happily unwrapped the second box and opened it. Hermione gasped as he removed the platinum and diamond ring. Slowly he slid the ring onto her finger. The princess cut diamond sparkled in the sunlight. Hermione threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.

“You have made me so happy.” Severus whispered when they pulled away.

“I love you Severus William Snape.” Hermione said.

The couple spent the rest of the morning together. Both the happiest that either had been in a long time. Poppy stopped by before lunch to check on Hermione.

“You are fully healed. I have a feeling your Venesian love is what did it. And before you ask, no one told me. I know the signs. After all, Lilly and James Potter were Venesian as well.” Poppy reported.

“I didn’t know that.” Severus said.

“Not many did.” Poppy replied.

Poppy left and the couple headed down for lunch. Moody and Tonks were there as well. Lunch was a lively event. So far Hermione and Severus had kept their recent engagement a secret.

“I’m glad you’re safe boy. You really had us worried.” Moody said.

“Thanks Moody. If it hadn’t been for Hermione, I doubt I would have survived.” Severus replied.

“Oh my gosh! Hermione is that what I think it is?” Tonks gasped as she spotted Hermione’s ring.

“Yes. Severus and I are engaged.” Hermione answered happily.

Everyone gathered around the happy couple. Remus and Sirius both hugged and kissed her then shook Severus’s hand.

“Congratulation! Both of you.” Moody said as he patted their shoulders.

“Thank you Professor Moody.” Hermione replied with a smile.

After lunch everyone helped clean the house for when the Weasleys and Harry arrived later.

“Look, it’s a beautiful day. Why don’t you two go out in the backyard and enjoy the day.” Sirius said.

“Sirius, you guys need help.” Severus argued.

“No we don’t. You two deserve some quiet time before everyone gets here. Now go before I get Remus, Moody and Albus to back me up.” Sirius threatened.

Reluctantly the couple did as they were told. Sirius was right, it was a beautiful December day. The two cuddled on a bench in the back yard.

“Do you want to tell the Weasleys and Harry about…about the…baby?” Severus asked.

“Yes. We might as well.” Hermione answered.

Severus nodded in agreement. After all the Weasleys and Harry had accepted their relationship and supported them.

“When do you want to get married?” Severus asked.

“Once this war is over. The very day if we can.” Hermione answered.

“The day this war ends. I can’t wait till then.” Severus replied.

“Me either. I hope that day will be soon. I can’t wait till I’m Mrs. Severus Snape and we no longer have to hide.” she said.

“Yes. The day we get married I want the entire world to know that I belong to you and you belong to me.” he whispered.

The quiet day helped Severus and Hermione relax. All their sadness, fear, and worry seemed to melt away. After enjoying the beautiful winter day for two hours, they headed inside to dress for dinner.

“I’ll see you in a bit.” Severus whispered.

“All right. Oh, and do you think you could forgo the teaching robes for tonight?” she asked sweetly.

“For you I would do anything.” he answered softly.

Hermione kissed him gently and entered her bedroom. Severus smiled as he entered his own room.

“Hello! Anyone home?” Molly called as she, the rest of the Weasleys and Harry entered the house.

“Molly. You’re early.” Tonks greeted as she approached them.

“Well, we thought we’d come early and help.” Arthur replied.

Tonks led them into the parlor where Remus and Sirius were just finishing cleaning. Both wizards looked up.

“Hey you guys.” Remus greeted cheerfully as he put away his wand.

“Hi. Where’s Hermione and Severus?” Ginny asked.

“Upstairs getting changed.” Sirius answered as he hugged Harry.

“Oh, well, what can we do to help?” Molly asked.

“I guess you can go see if Oron needs help in the kitchen Molly. You too Ginny. The rest of you can help me finish up in the parlor.” Sirius answered.

“Who’s Oron?” Harry asked.

“He’s Severus’s house elf. After Isabell, his mother, was killed, Dumbledore brought him here. He’s really sweet. I think you all will like him.” Tonks answered.

Molly and Ginny headed into the kitchen, while Harry, Ron and Arthur followed Sirius over to the Christmas tree in the corner.

“Here, you guys help me set up the presents.” Remus said.

Ron and Harry helped Remus place the gifts under the tree. Arthur pulled Sirius aside.

“How’s Severus?” Arthur asked.

“Everything is healed. He goes tomorrow to St. Mungo’s to get the sling removed from his right shoulder.” Sirius answered.

“Completely healed? How?” Arthur asked in shock.

“I don’t know. Albus and Minerva never said.” Sirius replied.

After ten minutes the parlor was decorated and all ready to go. At the same moment both Severus and Hermione entered the room. Hermione wore a long silver skirt and a red turtleneck chenille sweater. Severus wore black slacks and an emerald green turtleneck sweater.

“Oh my! Severus what happened to you?” Ginny gasped as she too entered the room.

“Guys, let’s all sit down. Mr. Weasley, you might want to get Mrs. Weasley.” Hermione replied.

Once Molly was there everyone sat down around the parlor. Severus took a deep breath then spoke.

“The day, or rather night, that Remus brought Hermione here, my Uncle Nicholas, my mother’s brother, showed up. I had just walked out of my lab from stirring the potion we were working on. He then yelled out Pertrificus Totalus. Next thing I knew, I was flat on my back. He then threw me over his shoulder and carried me out of the castle. Once we were off the grounds he pulled out a two way mirror.

“He then contacted Lord Voldemort. We apparated to some alley. There he handed me over to Voldemort. For 6,000,000 Galleons he sold me to Voldemort. Voldemort then took me to a cell.” Severus paused for a moment the continued.

“For nearly a week I was both magically and physically tortured. The only way I survived was Hermione’s love fore me.” he explained.

“What do you mean?” Ron asked.

“You see, Severus and I have this connection. If one of us is in trouble the other knows. I knew Severus was in trouble. I immediately called Dumbledore. It was Mr. Weasley, Tonks and Kingsley who found him.

“While he was at St. Mungo’s Dumbledore and McGonagall took me to see him. When I hugged him he woke up. The healer came in and said except for the bruising and his shoulder he was completely healed.” Hermione answered.

“You two are Venesian.” Molly said gently.

“Wow! That’s rare. Only a few people are Venesian.” Ron said.

“Is it that obvious Molly?” Severus asked.

“Only to those who know the signs.” she answered with a smile.

“What’s Venesian?” Harry asked.

“It’s a level of magic that few couples who are in love achieve. If a couple does they receive gifts. Each gift varies with the strengths and weaknesses of the couple. In their case it is the ability to sense when each other is in pain or danger. As well as to heal each other if need be.” Arthur explained.

“Dinner is ready.” Oron said as he popped into the room.

“Come on. I’m starving.” Sirius said.

Everyone laughed as they followed him into the kitchen. Dinner was full of chatter and laughter. Even Moody was lightening up. Molly was the first to bring up the future.

“So, have you two thought about the future? I mean once this war is over?” Molly asked.

Hermione and Severus looked at each other sadly. Severus nodded. Hermione took a deep breath, then answered.

“Actually, there’s something else that happened. Last night as I was leaving the lab, I collapsed to the floor. Poppy came. It turns out I was about two or three months pregnant. Last night we…we…lost…our child.” she said tearfully.

Severus gently held her while Molly softly rubbed Hermione’s back.

“Oh Severus, Hermione. I’m so sorry. But you two will have the opportunity to have children again.” Molly said.

“Th…that’s what Severus said. Right before he proposed.” Hermione replied.

“What!” The Weasleys and Harry cried.

Hermione held up her left hand. Everyone hugged and kissed the couple.

“This is great! Congratulations!” Ron said as he shook Severus’s hand.

“Yeah! Ron’s right. I’m happy for you both. And I promise I will destroy Voldemort.” Harry said happily as he too shook Severus’s hand.

“Thanks. I know having you guys accept our relationship means so much to Hermione.” Severus replied.

“As long as Hermione is happy that’s all that matters to us.” Arthur added.

For dessert Oron made the sugar cakes. Everyone laughed as Severus started on the cakes before they were even placed on the table. Severus blushed slightly but continued to eat his fill.

“Wow! That was great Oron.” Remus sighed as he pushed his plate away.

“Thank you sir.” Oron said happily.

“Oh, Oron, Hermione and I have a gift for you.” Severus said as he pulled out a small package.

Oron opened it slowly. Once it was opened he stared tearfully up at Severus and Hermione.

“Master is getting rids of Oron?” he asked worriedly.

“No. No. You are wearing a piece of cloth my father picked out. Since you will be with Hermione and I, I felt a more appropriate piece of clothing would be better. See, it has the crests of both Slytherin and Gryffindor.” Severus explained.

“In that case…Oron is happy and thanks Master Severus and Mistress Hermione. Very much.” Oron replied with a smile as he quickly stripped off his old tea towel and quickly put on his new one.

“You’re welcome and Merry Christmas Oron.” Hermione said and kissed his cheek.

“Speaking of gifts, let’s all head into the parlor and exchange gifts.” Sirius said.

Everyone rose to their feet and followed Sirius. While they were at dinner Oron had lit the fire in the fireplace as well as several dozen candles around the room and on the Christmas tree.

“Arthur, Remus, help me pass out everyone’s gifts.” Sirius said.

Severus gently pulled Hermione onto his lap as they sat beside Harry, Ron and Ginny.

“So, when do you two plan to get married?” Ginny asked.

“The day Voldemort is dead and gone.” Severus replied.

“We’re invited right?” Ron joked.

“You guys had better be there or I will personally hex you into oblivion and back.” Hermione threatened.

“The day you two shock the world and get married…we’ll be there. After all, everyone thinks Severus here is into guys.” Harry said.

Everyone laugh. Even Severus.

“I’ve heard those rumors Harry. I actually encouraged them. I like to be left alone. That is until Albus threw Hermione into my life.” Severus chuckled.

Soon everyone had their gifts. They all began to open them. The parlor was quickly filled with wrapping paper, tissue paper, ribbons and bows.

“Thanks Mione!” Ron cried as he held up the wrist wand holster.

“I figured it would help keep your wand in one piece.” she said.

“Yeah thanks. These will come in handy.” Harry added as he and Ginny held up theirs too.

“Thanks for the vial set Tonks. This will be very useful.” Severus said.

“Well, I overheard you talking to Albus about them once.” she said with a smile.

“Oh Arthur! It’s beautiful!” Molly gasped as she held up the beautiful necklace Arthur gave her.

“I’m glad you like it. And thanks for the watch. Merlin knows I sure needed a new one.” he said as he kissed her softly.

Everyone piled their gifts around them and began to talk while Oron served them tea and coffee. As the night wore on everyone, even Moody and Severus were loosened up.

“This has been the best Christmas I’ve had in a very long time.” Moody said.

“I agree. The last Christmas I enjoyed was when I was ten years old.” Severus replied.

“Well, from now on, I plan on making sure every holiday is enjoyable for you.” Hermione said as she snuggled close to him.

“As long as you’re by my side, that’s all I want and need.” he whispered.

Then before Hermione could blink, Severus held her tight and captured her lips in a passionate kiss. Everyone in the room smiled. The couple didn’t pull away until Harry and Ron began making cat calls.

“Whoo-hoo!” Ron whistled.

“Yeah. Way to go Severus!” Harry added.

The coupled pulled away slowly. Both still gazing into each other’s eyes.

“You two need to learn subtlety.” Severus said.

“He’s right. You two need to grow up.” Hinny added as she smacked both boys upside their heads.

“Well, it’s getting late. Plus Severus has a busy morning tomorrow. Let’s gather our things and head on home.” Molly said.

Everyone gathered up their gifts, shrunk them down, put them in their pockets, and started saying good bye.

“You two be careful and enjoy the rest of the holidays.” Molly said as she hugged and kissed the couple.

“Let us know how your check up goes in the morning.” Arthur replied as he hugged Hermione and shook Severus’s hand.

“I will. As soon as we get back I’ll floo Molly.” Severus promised.

One by one the Weasleys and Harry flooed back to the Burrow. Shortly after both Tonks and Moody left too. After the parlor was cleaned up Severus, Hermione, Sirius and Remus sat in the kitchen drinking a cup of tea.

“I’d say this was a good Christmas.” Sirius said.

“Yes it was. I can’t think of anything that could make this day any better.” Severus said as he kissed Hermione’s left hand.

“Severus! Hermione! Where are you!” cried an excitable Minerva.

“In here!” Sirius cried.

A second later Minerva ran into the kitchen gasping for air. Hermione and Remus rushed to the older witch’s side and helped her into a chair. Severus put a cup of tea before her. Minerva gratefully took a large gulp.

“Thank you. Albus sent me to tell you some great news. Lucius Malfoy, Bellatrix LeStrange, Gregory Goyle Sr., Vincent Crabbe Sr., and Patrick Lensheer were arrested and given the Dementor’s Kiss!” Minerva cried.

“What?!” everyone yelled.

“Yes. Half an hour ago Albus received an owl from Fudge. We immediately flooed Kingsley. He verified Fudge’s letter. Albus then sent me here.” Minerva explained.

Hermione looked up at Severus. His face was blank for only a second, then it broke into a wide grin.

“This is great! At least we don’t have them around to bother us or to interfere in our future.” Severus said happily.

“Yes. Now, we can continue on the potion with out Patrick reporting back. Oh no! The potion needs to be stirred!” Hermione gasped.

“Oron begs Mistress Hermione’s pardon. When I’s sees how lates it was getting, I wents to stirs the potion at nine. Likes you do every night.” Oron said quietly.

“You stirred the potion? How do you know what to do Oron?” Severus asked.

“Master Albus Dumbledore tolds me. He tolds me just in case somethings shoulds happens to you or Mistress Hermione.” Oron answered.

“That’s a relief. Thank you Oron, for doing that for us.” Hermione sighed.

“Yes Oron, Hermione is right. Thank you for taking care of the potion for us tonight.” Severus added.

“You’s are very welcome.” Oron replied with a smile.

“Well, that five less spies and assains we have to worry about.” Remus said.

“This really has turned out to be a great day. First we have our Severus Snape back, then he and Hermione become engaged and now this.” Sirius added.

“What? Engaged?” Minerva asked.

Hermione smiled as she held out left hand for Minerva to see her ring. Minerva tearfully looked at the couple.

“Oh Severus, Hermione. This is wonderful! I’m so happy for you both.” she said as she hugged them.

Twenty minutes later she returned to Hogwarts. After she left everyone went upstairs to go to bed. Before she could get away Severus pulled her into his room.

“No. Tonight you aren’t leaving my arms. Soon the holidays will be over and we’ll be separated. I want to enjoy the feel of my beautiful fiancee in my arms.” Severus whispered.

“Mmm. Your fiancee. I like the sound of that. Of course I’ll love it when I’m your wife and you’re my husband.” she sighed.

Severus nodded as he held her tightly. Slowly and carefully Hermione undressed Severus down to his boxers. Then Severus returned the favor. Both in only their under wear they crawled under the blanket.

“Tonight I want to just hold each other.” he said.

“That’s fine with me. I love you Severus.” she whispered.

“And I love you Hermione.” he whispered.

They kissed softly, snuggled into each other’s arms and fell asleep. The happy couple slept peacefully, both dreaming of the day they became husband and wife. They awoke fully rested and ready to go to St. Mungo’s. Hermione returned to her room to get dressed. Hand in hand they headed downstairs for breakfast. After a wonderful meal and telling Oron to stir the potion in case they weren’t back in time, the couple made their way to the hospital.

“I will be so glad to get this damned sling off.” Severus said as they approached the reception desk.

“I bet. I know I’ll be looking foreword to the feel of BOTH your arms around me.” Hermione said with a knowing smile.

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

“Yes, I have an appointment with healer Andrew Davis.” Severus answered.

“Your name?” she asked.

“Severus Snape.” he replied.

“Yes here you are. His office it on the fourth floor, third door on the right. There will be a sign on the door.” the witch said.

“Thank you.” Severus said.

Hermione and Severus made their way to the fourth floor. They quickly reached the office. Severus knocked on the heavy oak door.

“Enter.” Andrew called out.

Severus and Hermione entered the office. The walls held portraits of past Healers, beautiful landscapes and one of Andrew and his family.

“Ah Severus. Right on time. Now, let’s take a look at that shoulder.” Andrew greeted.

Severus tensed as Andrew drew his wand and ran it over the injured shoulder.

“Severus, are you all right?” Andrew asked worriedly.

“No. Just finish checking my shoulder. Please.” Severus answered tensely.

Andrew and Hermione exchanged a worried glance. Within seconds Andrew put away his wand.

“Your shoulder is completely healed. Let’s remove that sling.” Andrew reported.

Severus slowly began to move his arm and shoulder. After a few minutes Severus seemed satisfied with the job the healer had done.

“Thanks. It feels ten times better than it did before it was injured.” Severus said.

“Yes thank you Mr. Davis. I really appreciate everything you’ve done for Severus.” Hermione said.

“It’s my job. Um, Severus, would you mind waiting outside? I would like to have a word with Hermione.” Andrew asked.

Severus nodded. Once he was out of the office, Andrew helped Hermione into a chair. He sat beside her and spoke.

“Hermione, do you know why Severus tensed up when I pointed my wand at him? Healer Williams said he didn’t react that way when she checked him.” Andrew asked.

“Well, he said he was magically tortured by Voldemort himself. I guess he tenses if a male points his wand at him. That’s the only thing I can come up with.” she answered.

“I see. Hermione, as you know this war will be reaching the final battle for everything soon. Severus must overcome this fear or he will be taken down in battle.” Andrew said.

“What can I do?” she asked.

“Talk to him. Get him to talk about what happened to him. Even if you have to use Veritaserum to do so. He has physically healed, now he must heal mentally. You must help him.” Andrew explained.

“I will do everything I can to help him heal. I promise.” Hermione said.

Andrew escorted her out of the office. Severus once more thanked the healer and the couple made their way out of the hospital and back to 12 Grimmwauld Place.

T.B.C