Time Heals All Wounds

Chapter 12: Severus’ Return



Severus appeared on the grounds of Hogwarts, in a heap. He struggled to lift his head, and when he had done so, he noticed that there were no lights in the castle. Groaning, he pulled himself to his feet, and began the long trudge to the school.



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“Severus is our spy…” Hermione let the tears fall down her cheeks, ignoring the others. “Severus…”



“Hermione…” Lily murmured softly.



“I knew this would happen…so why…” Hermione slid to her knees. “Why does it feel like my heart is being ripped out?”



“It’s because you love him, Hermione.” Lily reassured. “You can’t stop these feelings. Trust me, the more you deny that, the stronger they get.”



“I have accepted my feelings…I knew he would have to be the one to do this…I just…somehow…wanted to change it. To stop him from doing it. I would take his place in an instant…” Hermione admitted miserably.



“But Hermione, Severus wouldn’t want you hurt…”



“That’s right, I don’t.” A soft voice issued from the doorway.



The whole room of order members turned to see who had spoken. Hermione slowly lifted her gaze, and fixed it upon her lovers pain wracked face. She climbed to her feet, and walked to him. She ran her hands over his face, chest, and arms.



Severus stood there, patient under her scrutiny. He was sure she needed the closure that he was fine.



Hermione pulled back, and looked into his eyes, trying to read them.



Severus spoke again. “I’m fine, Hermione. I’m not hurt.” he hated lying to her, but if his experience was ‘painless’ then she would feel better, thus, he would feel better.



She searched his eyes a second more.



SLAP



Severus’ face snapped to the side. He looked at Hermione in shock, his hand pressed to his cheek.



“That was for not telling me where you were going, or what you were going to do!” Hermione raged. “I told you how Voldemort was! I told you what will happen! Yet you still have to play the hero! You gave no regard to your friends! Lily! Remus! ME! How can I trust you if you don’t tell me what you are doing Severus!”



“Hermione…I’m-”



Hermione furiously latched her lips on his, clutching at him, as if his, and her lives depended on it.



She pulled back to breath, before kissing him again.



Severus stood in shock for a split second, before pulling her to him in a tight embrace. “I’m sorry love.”



Hermione sobbed against his lips, and her pulled her tighter. He held her while she cried for him, and whispered apologies and words of love in her ear. She needed his comfort.



Severus received a nod from Dumbledore, indicating that he would allow it. He led Hermione from the room, and led her to the moving staircases. They traveled up them, slowly, as Hermione had yet to let go of him.



Severus lent down and scooped Hermione into his arms. He carried her the rest of the way to the seventh floor. Finding her rooms easily he quickly muttered the password. The portrait swung open for them, and Severus lay Hermione on the couch infront of the fireplace.



He waved his wand at it. “Incendio” flames sprung up inside the hearth. Severus also conjured a thick blanket, and covered his witch with it, making sure she was warm.



Hermione’s tears had stopped, but her eyes were still puffy. She crawled under Severus’ arm, she cuddled up to him.



“Severus…” she asked.



“Yes, love?” he answered.



“Did…did he hurt you horribly?” the look in her eyes, daring him to lie to her again. “I know you weren’t telling the truth earlier.”



Severus lowered his head in a sigh. “Hermione…he used the Cruciatus curse.”



Hermione gasped in horror, even though she knew he was capable of it.



Severus continued. “I got Crucio’d by Voldemort, and by…Lucius Malfoy.”



“Oh Severus! You need to tell the headmaster! He-”



Severus placed a finger over her lips. “I can tell him tomorrow, when I give my formal report to the order.” he leaned in and kissed her forehead. “For now, I just want to hold you.”



Hold her he did. He never once let go of her. She fell asleep in his arms, all cried out. Severus watched the dying embers in the fireplace.



They were red, evil looking. Like his new ‘master’s’ eyes.



Severus sighed to himself, lost in thought. He would have continued to stare off into space, had it not been for the dim green light, that flared up in the coals. Severus looked into the flames, and saw the headmaster.



“Headmaster Dumbledore.” Severus greeted, softly.



“Mr. Snape.” Dumbledore said, just as formal.



“Please, Headmaster, there is no longer any need for the formalities, not now I’m a spy. Just Severus, please.”



“As you wish my boy.” Dumbledore said gravely. “What happened there? In the serpents den? I know you lied to Hermione earlier.”



“Headmaster…can…can it wait until the morning? We can talk after breakfast, maybe? I just…have a lot on my mind right now.”



For a second, the Headmaster thought about making him talk tonight, but when he thought about it, Severus had probably been tortured, Crucio’d, among other things. Perhaps it was best to wait until the morrow. “Very well, Severus. I will send a note, telling you when you will be expected.”



Dumbledore nodded to him, as much as the flames would allow. “Until then, Severus, good night.”



“Until then…” Severus echoed. He fell, again, into deep thought. He carefully pried Hermione’s arms from around him, and lifted her into his arms. He carried her to her room, and lay her on the bed. Using his wand, he drew the covers over her sleeping body.



He wandered into her sitting room once more, and stoked the fire. When it was aflame once more, he leaned his palm against the mantel piece. He stared into the flames, deep inside them, and just stood there. He felt the warmth, that was how Hermione made him feel. Warm, and loved. Like he was the only wizard out there, who could make her happy. Hell, Circe knew he felt the same way about her. His eyes trailed away from the fire, to the small red velvet box in his left hand.



“My Hermione. Hermione…Snape…”



A/N: There we are! A Cliffy, just for you! Now don’t you all feel special! And as always review please!



~Juerasana