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 11

Hermione was nervous as she sat in between Harry and Ron at the feast the night everyone returned from the winter holidays. She noticed that the Slytherins were glaring at her. It seemed that they blamed her for Patrick Lensheer receiving the Dementor’s Kiss over Christmas.

“Welcome back. As you have all heard, one of our own, Patrick Lensheer of Slytherin, was arrested and given the Dementor’s Kiss. He was arrested for being involved and committing crimes alongside Death Eaters. If anyone feels they need to seek counsel, please don’t hesitate to speak to your prefects, Head Boy or Girl or your Head of House or other professors.

“Now, as some of you have noticed, there are a fewer number of us. Over the holidays, there have been more and more attacks. Out of concern for their children’s safety, many parents and guardians have removed their children from the school. Now, let’s eat.” Albus said.

Hermione and Severus had agreed to wear their wedding rings on silver chains hidden under their robes.

“You okay?” Ron asked as he saw the worried look on Hermione’s face.

“Just nervous. What if someone finds out? What if ‘He’ already knows?” Hermione answered sadly.

“I wish I had an answer. For now, just don’t worry too much. Okay. You and Sev just concentrate on that potion.” Harry said.

Throughout dinner Severus and Hermione shared glances. They knew that they wouldn’t be able to spend much time alone together during the week. Their time spent on the potion would have to be spent only on the potion.

After dinner, Hermione sadly returned to the chambers she and Jonathon shared. She changed into sweat pants, sweat shirt and curled up in a chair in front of the fireplace in the common room.

“Hi Hermione. How was your holiday?” Jonathon asked as he exited his room.

“Oh hi Jonathon. My holidays were fine. Yours?” Hermione replied.

“It was good. I just wish I could have been able to see Ginny.” he said.

“Yeah. I saw her when she stopped by with her family and Harry to drop off their Christmas presents.” Hermione said.

Hermione and Jonathon sat up and talked for about an hour and a half, then he turned in for the night. Hermione sat up and continued to read. After an hour she too turned in. She had just entered her bedroom when she spotted the owl outside her window. She let it in and removed the letter it carried. The owl immediately flew back out the window. She carefully opened the letter.

Mudblood,

You will pay! As will your husband! You can’t hide! You will both pay with your lives! The traitor was lucky, but he won’t be next time! Next time you both will die!

Voldemort

Hermione gasped and dropped the letter. Since it was Friday she decided to take a risk. She grabbed the letter, her wand and dressing gown, slipped on her shoes and rushed out of the room and down to her husband. By using the teacher’s stairs, she made it to his private chambers completely unseen. She knocked on the large door.

“Enter!” Severus called out.

Hermione rushed inside. She skidded to a stop at his desk where he sat looking over their notes on the potion.

“Hermione? What are you doing here? Are you crazy? You could have been seen! Do you not realize how much danger you have put the both of us in by coming here!” he yelled harshly.

Hermione immediately fell to her knees and began crying. The letter clutched tightly in her hand. Severus came from behind his desk and stood before his crying wife.

“I’m…I’m…sorry.” she sobbed.

“Why did you come here?” he asked a little gentler.

Hermione simply handed him the letter. Severus read it. He was immediately gathering his sobbing wife into his arms and moving to the couch. He gently sat her down and rushed to call Albus.

“Severus what is…Hermione? You shouldn’t be here.” Albus said as he stepped into the room.

“Read this.” Severus whispered as he handed Albus the letter.

Albus read the letter then sighed heavily. He then sat in the arm chair across from them.

“When did you receive this?” Albus asked.

“About…ten…minutes…ago.” she said.

“I see. Severus, when can you two begin the next phase of the potion?” Albus asked.

“Tomorrow. Everything is ready.” Severus answered.

“Very well. Hermione, you may stay here tonight. Have her back in her room before dawn. Tomorrow, I will come and get you at the library one hour after breakfast. I will then bring you here so you and Severus can work on the potion.” Albus instructed.

Severus and Hermione nodded. Albus took the letter and left. Severus warded and locked the chambers and carried her to his bedroom. He placed her in bed and quickly stripped down to his boxers and joined her.

“I’m sorry I yelled. I was just concerned that you could have been seen.” Severus whispered as he held her trembling body tightly to him.

“I…was so…scared. I…I had…to get here.” Hermione said.

“I know. You’re safe. Just sleep now. I’m here and you’re safe now.” Severus said gently.

Hermione clutched desperately to Severus. All he could do was hold his frightened wife. After ten or fifteen minutes, she finally fell asleep.

‘Now what do I do? Now that Voldemort knows we’re married, we are no longer safe. I hope we can finish the potion and soon.’ Severus thought as he laid there trying to fall asleep as well.

Severus woke up at around four in the morning. He carefully climbed out of bed and got dressed. He grabbed Hermione’s dressing gown, shoes and wand, picked up his slumbering wife and headed for her room. Using the teacher’s staircase he reached her room unseen. He gently tucked her in and watched her sleep peacefully for a moment.

‘I hope we succeed on this potion. I can’t let anything happen to her. Sleep well my dear.’ Severus thought as he leaned down and kissed her softly.

A few hours later Hermione made her way down to breakfast. She glanced at the staff table and saw Severus was gone.

“Morning.” Harry said as he touched her shoulder.

Hermione jumped and nearly dumped her breakfast in her lap. Ron, Harry and Ginny sat down staring nervously at Hermione.

“You all right Mione?” Ron asked.

“No. Last night I got a letter from Voldemort. He knows about me and Severus. He said we’ll die.” Hermione answered quietly.

“Oh no! Now what?” Ginny asked.

“I went to see Severus. At first he started yelling, then he calmed down after he read the letter. He then called Dumbledore. Dumbledore is going to come get me in the library an hour after breakfast so Severus and I can start the next phase of the potion.” Hermione explained.

“Damn him! I swear Hermione, he’ll pay!” Harry hissed.

The four ate breakfast in silence. Down in the dungeons Severus was setting up the next phase of the potion. After he had returned Hermione to her room, he had returned to his, his mind filled with worry. He was at the door leading to his sitting room when he was hit by a premonition.

*Severus’s Premonition*

“Hermione, stay close to me.” Severus said as he and Hermione moved into position.

It was the final battle. Severus and Hermione were standing beside Ron, Ginny, Jonathon, Tonks and Minerva. The Order of the Phoenix, members of the Ministry of Magic and all of their allies were standing in front of Hogwarts.

“I love you Severus.” Hermione said.

Severus gathered her into his arms and kissed her. Suddenly, the battle began. Severus and Hermione began throwing curses, spells and hexes. Out of the corner of his eye, Severus saw movement. It was Avery.

“Hello traitor.” Avery said menacingly.

“Avery.” Severus hissed.

The duel began. Soon Severus found he was separated from Hermione. This worried him greatly.

“Say good bye to your mudblood wife.” Avery said.

Avery turned and ran. Severus spun around. He froze in horror. There behind Hermione stood Draco Malfoy.

“HERMIONE!” Severus screamed.

Hermione turned around.

“AVADA Kedavra!” Draco yelled.

“NOOOO! HERMIONE!” Severus yelled as the killing curse hit his wife square in the chest.

“AVADA KEDAVRA!” Severus screamed.

The curse hit Draco, who in turn fell to the ground dead. Severus ran to his wife. He gathered her into his arms.

“Hermione. Please say something.” he pleaded.

“Sev…Severus.” she gasped.

“You’re going to be fine. Just hang on.” he whispered.

“I’m…dieing. I…I…love…you…Severus.” she gasped.

“I love you too Hermione. You’ll be fine.” he said tearfully.

Hermione took a few shallow breaths then went limp in his arms.

“NOOOO!” Severus screamed.

*End Premonition*

Severus gasped and fell to his knees. He was shaking from head to toe and gasping for air. Fear clutching his very soul in an icy grip. Tears filling his eyes as the premonition replayed in his mind.

“No! Merlin please no! Please don’t let that happen!” Severus whispered.

Severus struggled shakily to his feet. He made his way to the sitting room and plopped heavily onto his couch. Sighing wearily as he placed his head in his hands. Meanwhile, Hermione was seated in the library rereading over the ingredients that would be used in the next phase of the potion. She felt much calmer after telling Harry, Ron and Ginny about the letter. She knew when she and Severus became involved that something like this could happen.

“Miss Granger. Can you please come with me?” Albus asked as he approached her.

“Of course Headmaster.” Hermione answered.

Hermione returned her books and followed Albus from the library. They made their way down toward Severus’s private chambers. They paused outside his door and knocked.

“Come in.” Severus called out weakly.

Hermione and Albus looked worriedly at each other then entered. They walked in and found an ashen faced Severus sitting on the couch.

“Severus! What’s wrong?” Hermione asked as she rushed to her husband.

“I had the worst premonition.” Severus answered as he hugged Hermione tightly.

“What did you see?” Albus asked as he sat across from the couple.

“I saw the final battle. Well part of it. I was dueling with Avery when he separated me and Hermione then ran off. I turned around and saw Draco Malfoy yell the killing curse. It hit Hermione. I killed Malfoy, but the curse in turn killed Hermione. She died in my arms.” Severus answered.

Albus seemed visibly shaken, as did Hermione. Hermione and Severus clung to one another. Albus was at a loss as to what to say to ease their fears.

“I don’t know what to say. Most of your premonitions have been able to be prevented. But in this case, to prevent it, Hermione would have to stay out of the final battle.” Albus said.

“I know, but we need her.” Severus replied.

“Maybe…maybe you’re not…suppose to prevent it.” Hermione whispered.

“What?!” Severus cried.

“Severus, perhaps that’s my destiny. To die in this war.” she answered.

“No! I won’t let you die!” Severus cried as he jumped to his feet.

“Darling, calm down. While you were missing, I did some research on us. I found a spell that showed me some of our past lives. It seems that most of our former lives have been couples that were torn apart by death. Brises and Achilles, Mark Antony and Cleopatra, Boadicea and Prasutagus, Paris and Helen, just to name a few. Maybe we aren’t meant to be together in this life either.” Hermione explained sadly.

“I refuse to believe that!” Severus said.

“Severus, perhaps Hermione is right. Now, hear me out. Perhaps you had this premonition for a reason. Maybe there is a way to protect Hermione, but you must also accept that there may not be a way to save Hermione.” Albus said.

Severus dropped onto the couch beside Hermione. She simply placed her arms around his waist and held him.

“Why don’t you two start on the potion. When you’re done, floo me and I’ll come and get Hermione.” Albus suggested.

As Albus left, Severus and Hermione headed into the lab. They set about preparing for the next phase.

“Hey Pansy, this just arrived for you.” Millicent Boulstrod said.

“Thanks.” Pansy said as she took the letter.

She sat on the sofa and opened the letter. As she read, an evil smile spread over her pug face. She clutched the letter and ran from the Slytherin common room.

“So now we let it simmer for about thirty minutes.” Hermione said.

The couple headed back to the sitting room. They cuddled on the couch. Both still a little shaken about Severus’s premonition.

“Severus, could it be possible that premonition was planted?” Hermione asked.

“Planted? What do you mean?” Severus replied.

“You know, sent to you by Voldemort. Just like when he planted that vision about Sirius in our fifth year? Maybe he’s found out about your gift of sight.” she explained.

“Possibly, but I doubt it. It was too real. The heat, the sounds, the emotions I felt, the smells. Everything was just too intense to not be real.” he said.

The couple fell silent once more, unaware they weren‘t alone. From the doorway Pansy stood there watching them with disgust.

‘Disgusting. But I have a mission to do.’ Pansy thought as she quietly moved into the lab.

She began looking through the different vials. Looking for the right potion ingredient that would not only destroy the potion, but kill Hermione and Severus. Finally she found exactly what she was looking for.

“Perfect. This will do the trick nicely.” Pansy whispered.

“Let’s go. It’s time for the next step.” Hermione said.

The two walked into the lab. At the door they froze. There was Pansy pouring a vile of something into the potion.

“What the hell are you doing here!” Severus yelled.

“Just delivering a message. See ya.” Pansy said, then activated a port key and vanished.

“Now what…” Hermione started.

BANG! The potion exploded, throwing Severus and Hermione into the storage cabinets. The cabinets and their contents fell on top of the unconscious couple. Outside Severus’s rooms, Minerva heard the explosion and rushed inside. She froze at the lab doorway.

“Severus! Hermione!” she screamed.

She immediately ran to the fireplace and called Albus and Poppy. Within seconds, both were in the lab. Poppy rushed to check on the couple.

“Albus, Minerva, they need to be taken to the hospital wing immediately!” Poppy ordered.

Albus and Minerva quickly pulled out emergency port keys that would transport the five of them straight to the hospital wing. Within seconds they vanished. Once in the hospital Poppy moved the Snapes to separate beds and began to work on them. Albus and Minerva sat on pins and needles waiting for word. An hour and a half later Poppy approached them.

“I’ve healed the serious injuries. If Minerva hadn’t been there, they would have died. As I was working, I witnessed the extent of their love. Both were covered in a soft glow. Instantly they were healed. All we have to do is wait for them to wake up.” Poppy said.

“Thank goodness they’re going to be all right. When will they awaken?” Minerva asked.

“It’s hard to say.” Poppy answered.

“My main concern now is who tried to kill them.” Albus said.

At the same moment Harry and Ron were visiting with Hagrid. Completely unaware their friends had been attacked and nearly killed.

“I can’t believe how many kids didn’t come back.” Harry said.

“I’m not surprised.” Hagrid said as he took a sip of tea.

“Oh. Why?” Ron asked.

“Surprisingly, most of the students who didn’t come back were those whose families are neutral. Their families figured, that it would be better. That way their kids wouldn’t become targets or get caught in the crossfire.” Hagrid explained.

Just then there was a knock on the door. Ron went and answered it. There was Albus. He entered and quickly began speaking.

“Ron, Harry, Hagrid. I have some bad news I’m afraid. An hour and a half ago there was an accident. Hermione and Severus were working on the potion when it exploded. Minerva found them. They are in the hospital wing. All we’re waiting on is for them to awaken.” Albus said.

“What?” Ron and Hagrid cried.

“Who did it?” Harry hissed.

Everyone looked at Harry.

“Look, Severus and Hermione are perfectionists. Especially at potions. They don’t make mistakes. Someone tampered with the potion.” Harry said.

“You’re right Harry. I’m hoping that they can tell us what happened. Would you like to see them?” Albus asked.

The three nodded. A few minutes later Hagrid, Harry and Ron were standing in the private room where the Snapes were resting. There were still a few bruises, but they were quickly fading.

“Voldemort. He had someone do this. I know it. It makes perfect sense. Especially after the letter he sent Hermione.” Harry whispered to Ron, who nodded.

The night at dinner, Albus made an announcement about the accident.

“Earlier this afternoon Professor Snape and Head Girl, Hermione Granger were involved in a horrible potions accident. The two were working on an experimental potion for the Ministry of Magic. Both, miraculously, survived. They are currently in a private room in the hospital wing. Until Professor Snape returns to teaching, I will be taking over his classes. Thank you.” Albus said as he sat back down.

As he was speaking, Albus surveyed the students reaction to the news. Everyone seemed surprised and shocked. Even the Slytherins. Albus knew that whoever had sabotaged the potion was one of the students who following Voldemort’s orders. He hoped Hermione and Severus could tell him something when they woke up.

T.B.C