I Learned the Truth at Seventeen

Hermione stayed by Severus's bedside throughout the early hours of the morning. She sat patiently by his side, stroking his head and kissing his hand wishing he would wake up and tell her she was being stupid for crying all over him. She hated seeing him pale and bruised. She hated the thought of him going back there to once again come back battered and on the brink of death.

Hermione got minimal sleep next to Severus, she worried she would roll over and hurt him so tried to stay away from him so she didn't hurt him more. By 8am, he still hadn't awoken and she was starting panic; surly he should be awake now she thought. Madam Promfrey arrived at nine expecting him to be awake but he wasn't.

'He just need more rest dear.' She said patting Hermione's shoulder. 'You should go shower and change into fresh clothes; he won't like it if you have neglected yourself and go eat something.'

'Okay.' Hermione said as she leaned down and kissed Severus's cheek and then walked out the bedroom.

Hermione walked downstairs and was greeted by Harry, Ron and Ginny. She sheepishly smiled and grabbed a bowl and filled it with porridge, she was pretty hungry actually. She sat down on the opposite side to them and picked up a spoon.

'Are you going to tell us why you were crying over Snape last night?' Ron said. 'And why you were in his room all night?'

Hermione put down her spoon and sighed. 'Do you want the truth or a fabricated story I know you'd rather here.'

'The truth Hermione.' Harry said.

'Sev...Professor Snape is my Soul Mate.' She said softly looking at the table.

'What!' both boys shouted.

'He's your Soul Mates? Like Mum and Dad?' Ginny asked.

'Exactly like that.' She said looking up. 'Remember in potions when Neville mucked up his potion and I passed out? Well somehow we then realised what we were.'

'So that's why you've been with Snape a lot.' Harry said.

Hermione only nodded and looked at Ron who was going bright red. 'Ron? Are you okay?'

'No I'm not alright! You're fucking the Greasy Git! Your suppose to be my Girlfriend not his!' He said as he stood up to full height intimidating Hermione.

'I'm not yours! I never have been.' She said

'Do you love him?' he shouted.

Hermione hesitated

'Well do you?' he shouted.

'Ron, stop it.' Ginny said standing up and trying to calm her brother.

'Do you love him?' he shouted again.

'Yes I do.' Hermione said standing up and turning to walk out to find Severus stood led against the doorway in only silk PJ bottoms showing off his pale, muscular scared and bruised chest.

Hermione gasped and she saw him. 'Severus.' She whispered.

'If I was of full health Mr Weasley I would no doubt be duelling you right this minute for speaking to Hermione like that.' He said deadly. 'She has never been yours boy, always mine; has been from the minute she was born.'

Hermione moved towards Severus wanting protection from Ron who was now being held back by Harry and Ginny.

'She's not yours!' Ron shouted.

'Tell him Hermione, who do you belong to?' Severus said wrapping his arm around her waist pulling her to him.

'I belong to you as you belong to me.' She said looking up to Severus.

'Hear that Mr Weasley.' He said venomously

'Severus! Back to bed before your rupture an organ!' Madam Promfrey shouted.

Severus grabbed Hermione's hand and walked back up the stairs slowly with her support and back into their bedroom. Hermione had tears falling down her face and Severus pulled her to sit beside him on the bed.

'Stop the tears Hermione, they are not worthy of your tears.' He said roughly.

'There my friends!' she said

'Good friends who support you.' He said laying back on the bed in pain.

Hermione stood up and looked at him. 'There confused just like I am. I need some space.' She said and walked out leaving him alone.

I apologise for the delay; will be uploading more chapters over Christmas.