Love's Journeys *COMPLETE*

Chapter 12- Trying to Forget the Pain


Hermione woke up in the early morning of December 26th. Wondering what had awaken her she started to drift back to sleep when she heard the faint whimpering coming from the man that was now holding her tightly in his arms. Leaning closer to him so she could make out the words he was saying in his sleep.


“No! What have I done? Hermione, please forgive me.” Severus whispered as tears fell from his eyes.


Hermione reached up and wiped the tears from his cheeks. “Severus. Severus, wake up. Please wake up.” Hermione said as she gently kissed his lips.


Severus’s eyes flew open and he quickly took in his surroundings. He then looked down into the face of his beautiful wife-to-be. “Oh Hermia! It was a nightmare. You’re alive.” He gasped as he pulled her body even closer and tighter to him.


“Sshh. Oh my darling Severus, what happened? What’s wrong?” Hermione asked as she gently brushed her thumb across his cheeks, removing the tears from them as she did so.


“I…I dreamt that I was facing off with Draco. You were on the floor knocked out. We were circling each other. As I yelled the killing curse he leapt out of the way and the curse hit you. You screamed then fell silent. Draco said I did his job for him then disappeared. I ran to you and took you in my arms. I killed you. It was my fault you were dead.” Severus said as more tears fell from his eyes.


“It was just a nightmare. I think we are both dreaming of what we both fear, losing each other. In your case, it’s you hurting me. I know you would never hurt me Severus. We can’t dwell on these nightmares.” Hermione whispered as she leaned over him and gently kissed him.


Wanting to feel her love more Severus pulled her tiny body on top of his and deepened the kiss. Hermione slipped her tongue into his mouth as he mimicked her action. Both the lovers wanted to feel complete. The only way they could was to get lost within each other.


Severus pulled away only to slide his lips down her jaw to her luscious neck. Hearing her sigh in pleasure warmed his very soul and sparked the desires he felt for this beautiful witch he now held in his arms. Hermione for her part was sliding her lips over his jaw. Sliding her tongue against the slight stubble that was forming against his face, while at the same time tangling her nimble fingers deep within his hair. Urging his movements on. Severus once more returned his lips to hers, ravaging her mouth. Making love to her lips while their tongues danced erotically with each other. Hermione pulled up and looked deep into his lust filled eyes.


“Take me Severus. Make the pain go away. I want to be lost in your arms, your desire, your body and your soul.”


Severus rolled them over so that she lay under him. “Here in my arms, my desire, my body, and my soul, you will never be lost. You have my soul, body, desire, and my arms. You and only you.”


They quickly stripped one another of their clothes, desperate to feel their skin rubbing, touching, and caressing each other. Once blissfully nude as the day they were born, Severus slid his hands down her body gently massaging her breasts. Hermione moaned and arched at his touch. She ran her finger tips gently against his shoulders and back pulling him closer to her. Her hands slid lower down his body as were Severus’s. Her fingers reached his well sculpted ass just as one finger found her wet core.


Hermione groaned deeply as he slowly slid his finger into her. Severus pulled away from her lips wanting to look into her face as he gave her pleasure. Seeing her face masked in beautiful rapture made his heart and soul burst with happiness and love. His lips captured her neck once more.


“Oh Severus. Don’t stop. I want to be lost in this moment. Please!” She sighed.


“My beautiful Hermione. I will never stop. Never.” Severus groaned out as he inserted another finger deep within her.


His cock quickly hardening at the sound of her moaning, panting, the feel of her wrapped tight around his probing fingers. ‘Oh how I love this woman. I want to be lost just as much as you do my darling Hermione.’ He thought lustfully as he felt her moving against his fingers.


“Now Severus! I want you in me now! Please!” Hermione half growled half yelled.


Severus quickly removed his wet fingers as she reached between them and took hold of his hard, pulsating cock. Pumping it a few times in her hand, causing him to moan deeply. She guided his dick to her entrance. He swiftly slid deep in her.


“Oh Yes!”


“Geez Hermione!”


Hermione began moving her hips against his. Severus soon began moving. They both realized that making love would come later. Right now they were feeding the flames of desire and lust that were consuming them at that moment. There were no sweet words of love. That would come later. This was pure lust.


“Severus…harder…deeper.” Hermione moaned as she began slamming her hips foreword against him.


“So tight…Hermione….you’re so fucking tight….so fucking unbelievable.” Severus growled as he slammed his throbbing cock harder and deeper.


Suddenly, with a strength that Severus never knew she possessed, Hermione flipped him over onto his back. Never once did their connection stop. He managed to stay buried deep inside her clinging pussy. She rose up so that she was sitting atop him. He reached up and took hold of her plump breasts as she began to rise and fall against him, clenching her inner walls as she did. Severus threw his head back against the pillows, letting out an animalistic growl.


“Look at me Severus.” Hermione ordered her voice thick with lust.


Severus opened his eyes. Onyx met honey amber. He watched mesmerized as he saw what she was doing. She had one of her hands resting against her chest. Never stopping the rise and fall movements she was doing a top him, she slowly began sliding her hand down her body. Interlacing her fingers with his, which were still massaging her breasts. Down they moved to twirl circles against her flat stomach. The sight of his gentle Hermione seductively playing with herself made him harder than he ever thought possible. Her hand stopped just above where they were joined.


“Don’t stop Hermione. Please…let me see you touch yourself…pleasure yourself…I beg you not to….stop” Severus growled the last part as he felt her clutch around him as she slammed down on him.


Smiling seductively Hermione slid a finger deep into her hot mouth. Severus was unable to take his eyes off her. Again she placed her hand where they were joined as one. He began to slam his hard cock deeper within her. She growled as she slid her finger against her hardened nub.


“Oh Severus! Right there…don’t stop…I’m so close…so very close.”


“Me too. Oh Hermione. Press…on your…clit harder…let it go…oh ggggooooddddssss! Let it all go. HERMIONE!” He roared as his seed erupted within her.


“SEVERUS!!!!!” She screamed as she arched her back almost bending completely back with the sensations of him shooting his seed in her and her finger against her sensitive clit.


A few seconds later the two lovers came crashing back to earth. Hermione lay panting and trembling against his chest. Severus slowly wrapped his shaking arms around her tiny frame. Holding her tightly to him both trying to slow their breathing.


“That was….I can’t even describe….how that felt my love.” She panted.


“You were incredible…I’ve never seen you look…so sensual as…I did tonight.” He said as he too gasped for air.


They lay that way for about fifteen minutes before Hermione moved off of him to only curl up at his side. “Let’s get cleaned up. We still have some gifts we have to open.”


Hermione followed suit. The two entered his large spacious bathroom. She watched as he drew them a warm bath. Filling the tube with rose scented bubble bath. Once the tub was full, he returned to her, swept her into his strong arms and carried her to the tub. He gently eased them into the water. Hermione settled herself between his muscled thighs.


Severus grabbed a sponge and began to wash he back. Massaging her tense shoulders. Hermione rested her head against his shoulder as he tenderly washed and rinsed her tiny body. Once he was finished with her body he began to work on her long brown locks. Gently wetting them then massaging shampoo into her hair. She sighed as his fingers twirled in her hair, then rinsed. She had never felt so relaxed. They quickly switched positions. Severus now rested between her legs while Hermione repeated his actions.


Taking the sponge in her hands she began washing and massaging his body as he had hers. Then it was her turn to wash his ebony locks. Severus sighed as her gently finger tips brushed against his scalp.

Thirty minutes later they pulled themselves from the tube. Each taking a large green and silver bath towel and began to dry each other off. Dressed in nothing more than bathrobes they returned to the sitting room where their Christmas presents sat still unwrapped. They spent the morning unwrapping their gifts, holding each other, and trying to forget their pain. Deciding to leave the dungeons they grabbed their cloaks and headed out for a walk around the grounds of Hogwarts. They had just entered the main hall when they found Minerva McGonagall.


“Good morning Severus, Hermione. How are you two feeling?” Minerva asked.


“Better thank you Minerva.” Severus answered, somewhat sadly. He was still taking the news about the loss of their child hard.


Minerva walked up to both of them and hugged them tightly. Both Hermione and Severus held her tight. “If either of you need anything, I’m here for you.” Minerva said gently.


Severus nodded as he and Hermione headed out onto the snow covered grounds. The sight around them was absolutely beautiful. Unfortunately neither Severus nor Hermione really took in the sight of the winter wonderland surrounding them. Their hearts still hung heavily with pain. They paused at a log that rested near the edge of the lake. They sat down side by side and stared out across the frozen lake.


“Hermione, when do you want to get married?” Severus asked quietly.


“I would like to get married as soon as possible. I don’t want to go another day without knowing you are my husband.” Hermione answered.


Severus turned toward her and pulled her to him. “I would like Albus to perform our ceremony love. I could think of no one better suited for the job.”


“Me either. Let’s go to him and ask how soon we can be married.” Hermione said as she stared into his eyes.


Nodding Severus pulled her to her feet and they made their way back into the castle. They found Albus sitting in his library amongst books and parchments. He looked up when Severus cleared his throat.


“Severus, Hermione. How may I help you?” Albus asked.


“Albus, Hermione and I wish to married as soon as possible. Neither one of us can stand not being husband and wife any longer. I realize she is still in school, but it’s something that she and I need at this point in our lives. Surely you understand.” Severus answered.


Albus understood completely. ‘This will make them happy. With all they’ve been through over the past months how could I deny them this one thing that would make them happy?’ Albus thought. “Very well. I can have everything set up by New Year’s Eve. Is there anyone you specifically want here for the ceremony? We can have it in the Great Hall, being as that only the staff and You Hermione are the only ones here.”

Severus and Hermione smiled their first genuine smiles in days. “I would like the Weasleys here.” Hermione requested.


“I’ll send them word and make the preparations. In the mean time, you two relax and leave everything to me.” Albus agreed.


“There’s one more thing sir, we want you to perform our union.” Severus requested.


The elderly wizard smiled as a single tear filled the corner of his left eye. He walked up to the two and pulled them into a hug. “I would be honored to bless this union my children. It will be perfect. Now, go and enjoy the day. I’ll handle everything.”


Hermione and Severus walked hand-in-hand back out to the grounds. As they were heading for the gardens they bumped into Hagrid.


“Hello Hermione. Professor Snape.” Hagrid greeted. Just before they could respond he noticed the ring on her left hand and their joined hands.


“Hermione, is that a….” Hagrid started.


“Yes. Hermione and I are engaged Hagrid. We are getting married on New Year’s Eve. I thought the entire faculty knew that.” Severus answered the unasked question.


“I’ve been out of town, have been since about October.” Hagrid replied.


“You…you mean you haven’t heard?” Hermione asked.


“Heard what? Hermione dear what’s wrong?” Hagrid asked worriedly as he saw the fear and sadness in her eyes.


“Hagrid, there has been some…bed things that have been happening…” Severus started then turned to face Hermione, “Should we tell him?”


“Yes. He’s my friend and he can be trusted. Hagrid, why don’t we go inside for some tea? We will tell you everything.” Hermione nodded.


Hagrid nodded and lead them into his hut. Once they were seated around the room and had their tea Hermione began.

“It all started over the summer. I was on vacation with my parents in New York. I bumped into Severus in a book store. We talked for a minute then he left. Two hours later as I was heading back to my aunt and uncle’s apartment someone grabbed me. It was Malfoy. He started threatening me but Severus was there and saved me. He escorted me back to the apartment. Two days later I returned to London.” Hermione paused and took a sip of her tea.

“It was the first Friday night back when things turned ugly. I was making my rounds around the castle. I was heading to the Astronomy Tower from the potions classroom. Right around the corner from the classroom someone covered my mouth and slammed me against the wall. It was Malfoy. He immobilized my body and placed a silencing charm on my voice.

“He tried to rape me. Luckily Severus heard the sound of me hitting the wall when Malfoy slammed me against it. He again saved me. That’s when things changed between me Severus. He walked me back to my room. I took a shower then as I entered my bedroom I found Malfoy waiting for me. I ran. I made to Severus. I stayed the night so Malfoy couldn’t get to me. Sev…Severus, could…could you please…finish. I can’t.” Hermione said as tears began to fall from her eyes.

Severus pulled her to him as he gently kissed her forehead. Severus picked up where Hermione left off.

“The next day we met with Albus. It was decided that Hermione would stay with me after classes were over. For her protection. After that she told Ron and Harry. They were talking in Remus’s classroom. I was looking for her when Harry to me she was with Remus. I found her crying. After telling Remus about Malfoy I found her asleep. I returned to my chambers.” Severus took a deep breath then continued.

“While she was sleeping I was in my class grading papers. I had set up wards to alert me if someone tried to get in. The alarm went off and I ran in to find her gone. Malfoy had taken her. Me, Sirius, and Remus spent and hour and a half looking for her. We finally found her. When we got there they were gone. We returned to Hogwarts. As I was heading for my rooms I saw Hermione laying on the doorstep. I took her to Poppy. Malfoy had beaten and raped her several times.” Severus wiped away the tear that slid down his cheek as he remembered that dreadful day, while holding a trembling Hermione tightly.

“She was in bad shape. It took over a month for her to fully recover. When December started me and Hermione were so happy. Then she received a letter from Arthur Weasley. Draco attacked and killed her parents. The day of the funeral we were heading back to the castle when she fainted just inside the gates. We took her to Poppy. Poppy then informed me I was going to be a father. When I told Hermione the news she was happy. So happy she asked ‘ME’ to marry ‘HER’” Severus chuckled lightly.

“On Christmas Eve Draco struck once more. Hermione was returning from visiting with Sirius and Remus. She was at the stairs leading to my class room when Draco showed up. He pushed her and she feel down the stairs. I, along with Sirius and Remus, heard her scream as she fell. When I got there she was knocked out at the bottom of the stairs. I yelled for help. Remus and Sirius showed up.” Severus paused to sip his tea.

“We took her to Poppy. She had some cuts, bumps, bruises and a few sprains. The worst thing was that she had lost the baby. Now, we are waiting to try and find a way to stop Draco before he kills Hermione. That’s what he’s trying to do.” Severus concluded the tale.

“Oh Hermione. Severus. I’m so sorry. I wish there was something I could do.” Hagrid said as tears filled his eyes.

“There is.” Hermione said.

“Name it.” Hagrid replied.

“Be at our wedding. It would mean so much to Hermione to have her friends their.” Severus said. Hermione nodded.

“I wouldn’t miss it.” Hagrid said smiling brightly.

Hermione untangled herself from Severus and threw herself into Hagrid’s arms hugging him tightly. Hagrid simply hugged the tiny girl in his arms. The rest of the afternoon Severus and Hermione spent with Hagrid. When it was time for dinner Hermione decided she could make an appearance at the Great Hall. The evening had turned out wonderful. Albus had informed the staff and the Weasleys of the wedding on New Year’s Eve. Everyone congratulated the couple wishing them the best. Hermione made plans with Minerva to got to Hogsmeade and get her wedding robes.

When Severus and Hermione returned to their chambers they both her a lot happier than they had been since Christmas Eve. They stripped out of their clothes and curled up under the sheets of his bed in front of a roaring fire.

“Finally, in less than a week you and I will be husband and wife.” Hermione sighed.

“I know my love. We will find Malfoy. This nightmare will end. We will have a family; you’ll get your university and anything else your heart desires Hermione.” Severus said as he pulled her close.

“As long as I have you that’s all I want.” Hermione whispered as she gently kissed him.

The gently kiss quickly turned into a loving passionate kiss. Severus and Hermione melted into one another’s bodies as they made love until late into the night. Finally falling into a dreamless sleep. At peace with the cruel world around them. At least for the night.

T.B.C