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 13

Harry sat by the lake as the wind ripped through the trees and water. It had been a week since Severus and Hermione had gone into hiding. Albus had been receiving daily reports from Severus on Hermione’s condition.

‘I swear, Voldemort will die for all he’s done to my family and my friends. I will make sure the bastard dies and stays dead.’ Harry thought as he stared across the frigid waters of the lake.

“Hello Harry.” Millicent said as she stood behind him.

“Hey Millicent.” Harry replied.

“I feel like this is all my fault. If I hadn’t left Hermione alone, I might have been to help.” Millicent said as she sat beside Harry.

“No. If you had been there, Pansy would have hurt you too. This is no one’s fault but Voldemort’s.” Harry said.

“So, are you still single?” Millicent asked, changing the subject.

“Yeah. Why?” Harry answered in surprise.

“Look, there’s that Valentine’s Day dance coming up. I was wondering…would you like to go with me?” Millicent asked.

“Um.” Harry answered.

“It’s all right. I know I’m not the most beautiful girl at Hogwarts. You would probably want t go with someone like Lavender Brown or Parvati Patel. I’ll see you around.” Millicent said she stood to leave.

“Millicent wait!” Harry called after her.

Millicent turned and faced Harry. He got to his feet, took her hand and pulled her toward a nearby tree.

“I didn’t say no. You took me by surprise is all. Over the past two weeks you and Balise have gotten to know me. You’re different than the other girls. You, like Ginny and Hermione, don’t treat me differently because I’m The-Boy-Who-Lived. You treat me as if I’m a normal 17 year-old wizard.” Harry said.

“You are normal. Well, with the exception of what’s happened to you and what you’ll have to do in the near future with Voldemort and all.” she replied.

“As for the dance, I would be honored to go with you.” he said with a smile.

“Great! Come on, let’s go meet up with Ron, Jonathon, Ginny and Balise for study group.” Millicent said with a huge grin.

Hand-in-hand the pair headed back inside the castle. Meanwhile, at 12 Grimmwauld Place, Severus was talking with Sirius in the kitchen while Oron watched over the sleeping Hermione.

“Severus what’s wrong? Ever since you and Hermione got here, I could tell something other than the ordinary is bothering you.” Sirius asked.

“There’s something I haven’t told Hermione. The only other person who knows is Poppy. The poison that Pansy had on the dagger caused problems for Hermione. Poppy told me that Hermione may never be able to bare children.” Severus answered sadly.

“Oh no. How are you going to tell her?” Sirius asked.

“I honestly don’t know.” Severus replied.

Upstairs Hermione began to awaken. Over the past two weeks, she had been getting stronger with each passing day.

“Good afternoon Mistress Hermione.” Oron said with a smile.

“Good afternoon Oron. Would you mind and bring me some hot tea with honey and lemon?” Hermione asked.

“Of course not. I’s be right backs with your tea.” Oron said happily.

Oron popped out of the bedroom and into the kitchen. He set about making Hermione her tea while Severus and Sirius talked.

“How is she Oron?” Sirius asked.

“Mistress Hermione is feeling much betters this afternoon.” Oron answered.

“Oron, I’ll take this up to Hermione. Why don’t you take the rest of the day off. And before you object, I insist. You’ve been more loyal and helpful to not only Sirius, Hermione and myself, but the Order of the Phoenix as well. Please old friend. Just today, I want you to rest.” Severus said.

“What’s about dinner?” Oron asked.

“Tonight Severus and I will handle the food. If it would make you happy, you could fix Hermione’s favorite dessert. Red velvet cake with chocolate icing.” Sirius answered.

“Gladly.” Oron said happily.

“Under one condition.” Severus said.

“Yes Master Severus?” Oron asked.

“You sit and eat dinner with us. Just like you used to do with mother and I when I was a boy.” Severus answered.

“Oh Master Severus! Oron woulds be happy to joins yous at dinner!” Oron said as tears of happiness filled his eyes.

A few minutes later Severus headed upstairs with a tray of hot tea and biscuits for his wife. He found her snuggled against his pillow, her eyes closed.

“Tea my dear wife?” Severus said he closed the door.

“Hello there.” Hermione said with a smile as she sat up against the headboard.

“Feeling better?” Severus asked.

“Much. Each day I feel myself getting stronger and stronger.” Hermione answered.

“Good. Poppy will be coming by this evening after dinner at Hogwarts.” Severus said.

As Severus and Hermione talked, he decided to wait on telling her about the children part. He would wait till she was strong enough to handle it. Back at Hogwarts, Balise and Millicent were talking.

“I think it’s great you and him are going to the dance together. I think you and Harry together is a step in the right direction. After all, for the past two years Dumbledore has been trying to get the four houses to unite. Ever since the attack on Snape and Hermione, that has actually begun to happen.” Balise said.

“Yeah. Of course that’s not why I asked him to go with me Balise.” Millicent replied.

“I know.” Balise said.

“I asked him because I like him. He’s a great guy. I enjoy being with him Balise. He’s smart, sweet, funny. I get butterflies in my stomach whenever I’m around him.” Millicent explained as she began to pace.

“That’s great. Look, I have nothing against you and Harry going together. I also believe that him and you would make a great couple. Should that happen. Perhaps you should write a letter to Harry.” Balise said.

“I think I will. Thanks Balise. You’re the best friend in the whole world.” Millicent said as she hugged him.

Millicent hurried to her room. She grabbed a quill, ink and parchment. She sat on her bed, lit her wand and began writing a letter to Harry. After five minutes, she finished and signed the letter. She gave it to her owl who flew off.

“I’ve never had so much fun studying.” Ron said as he and Harry sat around the common room.

“I know. Oh guess what? When I was at the lake, Millicent came up to me. She asked me to the Valentine’s Day dance.” Harry said.

“Really! What did you say?” Ron asked.

“I was shocked. At first I just said um. She thought I was saying no and started to leave. I stopped her. I then told her yes.” Harry answered with a smile.

“That’s great! True, she’s not the most beautiful girl, I mean woman, but she’s beautiful in her own way. She’s smart, funny, she likes the same things you do, she has a great personality, not to mention a great smile and witty sense of humor. What do you think about her?” Ron asked.

“I don’t know. I mean she’s great. I don’t know though. You’re right, she’s really sweet and is beautiful on the inside. I guess I could see me and her as a couple. We’ll see.” Harry replied with a small smile.

“Hey Harry. This letter just came for you.” Collin Creevey said as he handed the letter to a surprised Harry.

“Thanks Collin.” Harry replied.

Harry looked at the letter. He recognized the hand writing. He told Ron he’d catch up with him later, grabbed his cloak and left the common room. He made his way to the lake, sat down and opened the letter.

Dear Harry,

I’m writing this to let you know how I feel. I want to be honest with you. What I am about to say, I just want you to know that I expect nothing from you but the truth.
Harry, I like you. A lot. I have for a while, but was afraid. I like you for you. The guy behind the legend and the stories. As I said, all I expect from you is the truth. Nothing more.
Please don’t feel any pressure from me. I just thought you should know. But please remember this, I will always be your friend and be there should you ever need me. Just be honest and I’ll do the same.

Sincerely,
Millicent

Harry sat there and re-read the letter a few times. His mind spinning. After reading the letter a fourth time, he stared out across the water.

‘Wow. Tonight. After dinner I’ll talk to Milli. I’ll be honest just as she asked. I’ll just have to wait and see what happens.’ Harry thought with a smile.

That night at dinner Harry sat so he could see when Millicent was done with her dinner. As soon as she was finished, Harry excused himself and headed over to her.

“Millicent, can you come with me pleas? I would like to talk to you for a few minutes. If that’s okay?” Harry asked.

“Of course.” Millicent answered.

Harry extended his arm to her. She placed her arm in his and they left the hall. The faculty and many of the students smiled at the pair. Harry led them into Remus’s classroom. He lit the candles and they sat at the first closest table.

“I got your letter. I decided to do as you wish and be completely honest with you. I’m not sure how I feel about you. I mean, I like you as a friend, but perhaps, with time, I could like you as more than a fried. All I ask is that we both give it time and take things slow. See what happens.” Harry said.

“That sounds fine to me. So, where do we go from here?” Millicent asked.

“We could perhaps hang out more. Saturday is a Hogsmeade weekend. Why don’t we go together?” he answered.

“Just us or with our friends?” she asked.

“Hmm. I know. The morning is just us. We can meet the others at the Three Broomsticks in the afternoon. Sound good?” he answered.

“Sounds perfect.” she said with a smile.

Suddenly, the door burst open. Harry and Millicent jumped to their feet. There stood a figure cloaked from head to toe. Before Harry or Millicent could move, the figure spoke two spells. Millicent was bound and gagged while Harry was disarmed and thrown backward. The figure tossed Harry’s wand aside.

“Farewell Potter.” the figure whispered as he drew a dagger.

Before Harry could utter a word, the figure jammed the dagger deep into Harry’s side. Harry grunted in pain. The figure withdrew the dagger, activated a port key and disappeared. Once he was gone, the spell on Millicent was removed. She ran to Harry and knelt beside him. She carefully moved his head into her lap.

“Harry? Can you hear me?” she asked tearfully.

Harry could only moan in pain.

“HELP! PLEASE! SOMEONE HELP ME!” Millicent screamed as she hugged Harry close, putting as much pressure on the wound as she could.

“That was wonderfuls Master Severus, Mister Sirius.” Oron said as he patted his full belly.

“Oron’s right. That was delicious.” Hermione sighed as she pushed her empty plate away.

“We aim to please.” Sirius said.

“We did dinner, but Oron took care of dessert.” Severus said with a smile.

Oron snapped his fingers and a covered cake dish appeared on the table. Oron removed the lid to reveal the cake he made for Hermione.

“My favorite cake! Thank you Oron!” Hermione cried as she leaned over and kissed Oron on the forehead.

“You’s very welcome Mistress Hermione.” Oron said as he blushed.

Severus cut everyone a piece. The two Wizards and house elf laughed as Hermione moaned as she ate her first bite.

“Mistress likes her cake?” Oron asked.

“Like it? I love it!” Hermione answered.

They sat there talking and eating their cake. A few minutes later Poppy arrived with her traveling kit.

“Hello Poppy.” Sirius greeted.

“Hello Sirius. I see you‘re feeling better Hermione.” Poppy said.

“Oh yes ma’am. Much better.” Hermione answered as she pushed her cake plate away.

“Well, let’s get you checked out shall we.” Poppy said.

Hermione followed Poppy upstairs to the room she and Severus shared. As the two women entered the room, Severus, Sirius and Oron waited outside. Hermione undressed while Poppy got everything ready. Severus had told Poppy not to say anything to Hermione about not being able to have children and Poppy agreed.

“Okay. I need you to lay on the bed and just relax. All right.” Poppy instructed.

Hermione did as the medi-witch said. She took a deep breath and relaxed her body. Poppy said an incantation and began moving her wand over Hermione. She started at Hermione’s toes and made her way up. As Poppy’s wand moved over her, Hermione felt a tickling sensation wash over her.

“It kind of tickles.” Hermione giggled.

“That’s what it’s suppose to do. Now lay still.” Poppy replied with a smile.

As Poppy reached Hermione’s stomach, her wand began glowing a maroon color. Poppy wrote something down then continued moving her wand up. After twenty minutes, Poppy was finished and told Hermione she could get dressed.

“Well?” Hermione asked.

“You’re fully healed. I knew yours and Severus’s love was strong, but not this strong. I suggest you spend tomorrow in bed resting. By Monday, you’ll feel like your old self. Now, why don’t you get ready for bed. I’ll go outside and tell Severus, Sirius and Oron the good news.” Poppy answered.

Hermione nodded. Poppy went outside. She faced the waiting wizards and elf.

“Well?” Severus asked.

“She’s fully healed. Tomorrow I want her to stay in bed. By Monday she should be feeling like her old self. It seems, your love has healed her.” Poppy answered.

“That’s great!” Oron cried.

“Yeah!” Sirius added.

“There’s something else isn’t there?” Severus asked.

“Yes. Your love has also healed the problems that the poison caused. It seems that now, she will be able to have children. The love you two share is remarkably strong indeed.” Poppy answered with a smile.

Severus’s face broke out in a hug smile. Her then hugged Poppy tightly. He then began to laugh along with Sirius and Oron.

“This is wonderful! Thank you Poppy! For everything!” Severus said happily.

“You are very welcome my boy. Now, I’ve got to be heading back. Sirius, Oron, you two help Severus make sure Hermione actually gets some rest tomorrow. I don’t want her on her feet except to go to the bathroom.” Poppy ordered.

“Yes ma’am.” Sirius and Oron replied.

Poppy nodded the headed downstairs to leave. Severus said good night to Sirius and Oron then entered the bedroom. He found Hermione propped up reading a book.

“Hi. I guess Poppy told you the good news huh?” she asked.

“Yes. There’s more. When you were stabbed, the poison on the dagger caused complications. She told me that you may never be able to bare children. Wait, don’t say anything. But tonight after she did her check-up, she discovered that was no longer the case. Our love not only healed the complications, but she said you would now be able to have children.” Severus explained.

“You mean I’m actually completely healed? From everything?” Hermione asked.

“Yes love. You’re one hundred percent cured.” he exclaimed.

The two hugged each other tightly as tears of relief and joy fell from their eyes. Back at Hogwarts, things weren’t so cheerful.

“Keep pressure on the wound.” Albus said as he and Minerva began going through different potions.

Millicent pressed the cloth harder against Harry’s stab wound. She was lucky. Just after she began screaming, Remus, Albus and Minerva came running in. They helped her get Harry to the hospital wing. Millicent quickly explained what happened.

“Hang on Harry. Poppy should be back soon.” Remus said as he gently wiped the sweat off Harry’s forehead.

“Milli…” Harry whispered.

“Sshh. I’m right here Harry. I’m fine. Just try and relax.” Millicent said gently.

“Albus? What’s going on?” Poppy asked as she entered the wing.

“Harry was stabbed. Miss Boulstrod has been keeping constant pressure on the wound. He began sweating about five minutes ago.” Albus answered.

“All right. Everyone please step back and wait over there. I‘ll do what I can.” Poppy ordered.

Everyone nodded and moved away and sat down as Poppy set to work. Millicent said a spell to clear away Harry’s blood from her hands and clothes. Once clean, she placed her head in her hands and started to cry.

“Everything will be fine. Poppy will take care of him.” Minerva said gently as she placed her arm around the young witch’s trembling shoulders.

“I…I just…wish…I could…have done…more.” Millicent sobbed.

“There’s nothing more you could have done Miss Boulstrod. You did the right thing by calling for help and putting pressure on the wound.” Remus said softly.

They waited for over an hour. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Poppy walked over to them as she wiped her hands on a cloth and sighed.

“Harry will be fine in a few days. If it hadn’t been for Miss Boulstrode’s quick thinking in calling for help and keeping pressure on his wound, he surely would have died. Miss Boulstrod, he’s asking for you. Go on.” Poppy explained.

Millicent got to her feet and made her way to Harry’s bedside. She sat on the cot next to him and took his hand in hers.

“Milli, that you?” Harry asked.

“I’m here Harry.” she answered.

“I’m glad you’re here. You weren’t hurt by that guy or whatever that was were you?” he asked.

“No. I’m fine. Madame Pomfrey said you’ll be fine too in a few days. Right now, you just sleep. You need your rest.” she answered.

“Stay with me?” he asked.

“Of course.” she answered with a smile.

Millicent pulled the blanket and sheet over him and tucked him in. As his eyes closed, Millicent leaned over and kissed him. Harry sighed softly and drifted off to sleep.

“Miss Boulstrod, it’s time for bed.” Minerva said.

“Professor please, I promised Harry I’d stay with him. I can’t leave him.” Millicent pleaded.

“Minerva, let her stay. I think Harry would feel better if there was someone here when he woke up.” Poppy said gently.

“Very well. Good night.” Minerva said.

Millicent climbed into the empty cot next to Harry and fell asleep. That night everyone slept peacefully. Harry awoke as the sun came through the window. He looked over and found Millicent laying sound asleep in the cot next to him.

‘She stayed. Just like she promised. She looks very beautiful in the morning light. I’m just so glad she’s safe.’ Harry thought as he smiled, watching Millicent sleep.

Harry reached over and brushed a stray hair away from her face. Millicent moaned softly in her sleep and turned her head toward his hand. Harry gently brushed his hand against her smooth cheek. Slowly her eyes fluttered open. She smiled as her eyes focused on Harry.

“Good morning.” he whispered.

Good morning yourself. How do you feel?” she asked.

“I feel fine. Did you sleep well?” he answered.

“Yes. I’ll go get Madame Pomfrey so she can check you over and maybe get you something to eat.” she said as she started to get out of bed.

“Milli wait.” Harry said.

Millicent turned and faced him. Harry took her hand and pulled her so she was sitting on the bed beside him. He then sat up, placed one hand against her cheek, leaned foreword and softly pressed his lips to hers. The kiss lasted only for a few seconds, but long enough for the both of them to feel something click between them.

“Now, you can go get Poppy.” he whispered with a smile.

Millicent wore a huge smile as she entered Poppy’s office. That day Millicent stayed at Harry’s side while he rested. Their friends came by throughout the day to visit. At the same time Severus, Sirius and Oron were with Hermione as she too rested.

“I’m just glad Harry will be okay and Millicent wasn’t hurt.” Hermione said as she finished her lunch.

“Me too. Come on, it’s time for your bath.” Severus said.

“Oron and I will be downstairs if you two need anything.” Sirius said as he and Oron gathered the lunch dishes.

The day seemed to fly by. Millicent, Balise, Ron and Ginny were visiting Harry before heading to bed when Albus entered the hospital.

“Good, you’re all here.” Albus said.

“Hello Headmaster.” Balise greeted.

“Hello Balise. Harry, after your attack, I came to a decision. Tomorrow, I’m sending you into hiding with Hermione and Severus. I’m not going to give Voldemort the chance to hurt you again.” Albus explained.

“I understand. Will I be able to at least be able to write to my friends here?” Harry asked.

“Of course.” Albus answered.

“That’s all that matters.” Harry said as he smiled and held Millicent’s hand.

And so, the next night, hidden in the shadows, Albus, Minerva and Remus accompanied Harry to 12 Grimmwauld Place to join Sirius, Oron, Severus and Hermione.

T.B.C