Finding Love in War *COMPLETE*

Finding Love in War

Chapter 13- Countdown

The countdown began. Albus had secretly moved the Order and Aurors into the castle. As the students continued their classes, the Order and Aurors were training and going over battle plans. Severus and Hermione contributed by training Harry after classes and brewing more potions to help during and after the battle.

“So, you two will be transferring some of your magic to me?” Harry questioned.

“That’s right Mr. Potter,” Severus answered.

“During our time at Dedham Manor, Severus and I discovered that separately, we’re strong, but together we’re four times stronger,” Hermione added.

“Wow. Dumbledore told me and Ron about the Oracle. I guess we know what she meant,” Harry smiled.

Harry was a bit upset that Ron was kept in the dark about Severus and Hermione’s return for the moment. Yet Harry understood why. The less people who knew, made it easier to keep it from Voldemort.

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“Any sign of him?” Voldemort asked as Lucius stepped up to the throne.

“No my Lord. There has been no sign of Wormtail in nearly two and a half weeks,” Lucius answered with a bow.

“Well, keep searching. He no doubt is hiding and waiting till everything is over, then make an appearance. Now, what about the mission at hand?” Voldemort questioned.

“It is done. They were brought here a few moments ago. Bella and Walden McNair have them upstairs getting them up to par,” Lucius explained with a smile.

“Excellent. I need you to oversee the final battle plans. There can be no mistakes Lucius,” Voldemort ordered.

“Consider it done,” Lucius bowed.

Voldemort waved Lucius away. He had his own plans to work out. He knew he had to get Harry out of the way first if he wanted to succeed in bringing down Dumbledore and the Order.

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The days leading up to the final battle were tense on both sides. Hermione and Severus were quite impressed at how strong Harry had gotten over the years. Not just magically, but mentally and physically as well.

“Very good Mr. Potter,” Severus smiled as Harry finished a series of extensive magical, physical, and mental challenges.

“Thanks. Do you two think I can beat Voldemort?” Harry asked.

“Yes. You have proven yourself to be stronger than Voldemort. With Hermione and I at your side, he can’t beat you,” Severus answered.

“Severus is right. You don’t have anything to worry about,” Hermione added with a smile.

“When am I going to be able to tell Ron that you’re back?” Harry questioned.

Just then, Albus entered the room, followed by Ron and Neville. The two wizards rushed to Hermione and hugged her tightly. Hermione gratefully returned their hugs. Severus stood next to Albus and just smiled. Once they released Hermione, Ron and Neville turned and walked up to Severus.

“Welcome back Professor Snape. Also, thanks for taking good care of Mione,” Ron said.

“Yeah. She’s alive because of you,” Neville added.

“You are welcome. And thank the three of you for the potion. The night after Halloween, Hadrian and four others showed up at the Manor. If you three and Miss Weasley hadn’t brewed that potion, Hermione and I wouldn’t be here,” Severus replied as he shook their hands.

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That night, the students not fighting were moved into the catacombs below the castle. There were only a few students left in Slytherin house. The Older students would be fighting with their parents, those too young to fight were hidden. Those who remained at Hogwarts were from families who were neutral.

“May I have everyone’s attention. First, let us welcome back Hermione Granger and Severus Snape,” everyone in the Great Hall applauded. “Now, over the past two weeks, you’ve all been working harder than ever. Tomorrow, I know each of you will make us proud. Thanks to Hermione and Severus, we will be completely protected from the Unforgivable curses.

“Tonight, I want you all to get a full nights rest. Voldemort and his army will be arriving at noon. We have the element of surprise on our side. He doesn’t know that we are ready for him. Now eat up. Tomorrow, we will win back our freedom,” Albus said as everyone sat down to eat.

The hall was filled with the clatter of the silverware and chatter of everyone discussing the next day. Hermione sat at the staff table with Severus, Albus, Arthur, Sirius, Remus, and other leaders of the Order. As she ate, Sirius began to talk to her.

“I’m glad you’re safe Hermione. We’ve all been worried about you,” Sirius said.

“I don’t see why. I was perfectly safe with Severus,” Hermione replied.

“He is a Death Eater. You could have been captured,” he added suggestively.

“I don’t like you implying that my fiancee would do anything to hurt me,” she hissed.

“Fia…fiancee?” he stuttered.

“Yes,” she answered.

“Oh Hermione. He’s going to break your heart. Just watch,” he sighed.

“Fuck you Sirius. You don’t know a damned thing about Severus or me,” she growled.

Hermione threw her napkin on the table, stood up, and stormed from the hall. Severus placed his napkin on the table and followed her, glaring at Sirius as he passed the animangus.

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“What’s wrong? Other than what Black said to you,” Severus asked.

“What is it between the two of you? I know about what happened with Harry’s dad and the Shrieking Shack, but Sirius is being downright cruel. Why?” Hermione demanded.

“I honestly don’t know. During our seventh year, Potter wasn’t such a pain in the ass. Don’t get me wrong, he and I still didn’t get along, but he didn’t go out of his way to torment me. Black however, did. Potter even told him to back off a time or two, but Black refused to listen,” he sighed.

“So he does it for kicks? No matter if the things he says hurts others?” she questioned as she sat on their bed.

Severus sat beside her and pulled her into his arms. Hermione just leaned back into his embrace. She let out a soft sigh as he began kissing her neck. Hermione felt her blood begin to boil as his hands slid up and began massaging her breast.

“Oh Severus,” she whispered.

“Let’s forget Black and enjoy the night. The next few days will be hectic and I plan on enjoying my vixen of a fiancee tonight,” he sighed in her ear.

“Mmm. Then let’s get started,” she said heatedly.

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“Sirius, what the hell is your problem!” Harry cried.

“What do you mean?” Sirius asked as he fixed himself a glass of firewhiskey

After dinner, Remus told Harry and Ron what Sirius said to Hermione and vice versa. The two were angry. They immediately went to Sirius’s rooms to have a word with him about it.

“We mean about what you said to Hermione about Professor Snape,” Ron answered angrily.

“Don’t tell me you two are okay with this! Boys, all he’s going to do is hurt her. Not just emotionally, but physically as well,” Sirius exclaimed.

“What do you mean physically?” Ron questioned.

“Snape is known for his sexual appetites. He’s not a gentle lover by any means. That was one of the services he provided Voldemort. Voldemort would watch Snape having sex with women,” Sirius explained.

Harry and Ron shared a look, then Harry spoke, “Hermione is perfectly fine. Besides, Ron and I knew they liked each other when she went into hiding,”

“And if they’re getting married, Harry and I will gladly give her away. This is the happiest we’ve seen her in a long time and the happiest we’ve ever seen the Professor,” Ron added.

“Then you’ve condemned her to heart break!” Sirius argued.

“Look, if you can’t be happy for them, then stay away from them,” Harry glared.

Sirius watched in a mixture of shock and anger as Ron and Harry stormed from the room. He downed his drink and threw the glass into the fireplace.

T.B.C