Venesian Love

Venisian 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 year 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 1

The summer quickly faded. Hermione returned to Hogwarts as Head Girl.

“We all knew you would make Head Girl Mione.” Ron said on the train.

“Yeah. But congratulations anyway.” Harry added.

“Thanks. So, how was your summer?” Hermione asked.

“It was great. Harry was able to go with me to visit Charlie in Romania. Ginny went with George, Fred and mum to see Bill. Dad had to stay and work.” Ron answered.

“Romania was awesome Hermione. You would have loved it.” Harry said.

“Well, Professor Dumbledore had me helping Professor Snape with something for the Order.” Hermione replied.

“Ugh. How can you stand to help that greasy old bat?” Ron asked.

Before she could answer the compartment door was slid open. There stood Draco Malfoy, Gregory Goyle and Vincent Crabbe.

“Look here boys. It’s Potty, the mudblood and the weasels.” Malfoy sneered.

“Tell us Malfoy, how’s your father these days?” Ginny asked.

“Yeah how is he? I bet it’s hard to stay a pretty-boy in a cell. Wouldn’t you agree?” Harry added.

“How dare you! I ought to...” Draco snarled.

“Ought to what? I’d be careful Malfoy. I would hate to tell Professor Snape that his little prefect started trouble.” Hermione said as she rose to her feet.

Draco turned and spotted the Head Girl badge on her robes.

“Now, if you three have nothing more to say, I suggest you leave. Now.” Hermione ordered.

“One day you’ll get yours. Just watch.” Draco said.

Then the three of them left the compartment. Ron was furious.

“I want nothing more than to beat that no good ferret into a bloody pulp!” he all but yelled.

“Ron, Malfoy’s just pissed his father’s still in Azkaban.” Ginny said.

The rest of the train ride the four friends talked about the new school year. Even more so about who the new DADA professor was going to be. The train soon pulled into Hogsmeade station. Before they knew it they were entering the castle. They headed for the Great Hall for the Welcoming Feast.

Up at the staff table Albus sat talking with Minerva McGonagall and Severus Snape.

“How is your mother Severus?” Albus asked as the students began to enter the hall.

“She’s fine. She especially likes the house she is staying at.” Severus answered.

Severus looked up and spotted Hermione and her friends. For a second his and Hermione’s eyes locked. She smiled softly before turning away.

“I hear Miss Granger and Mr. McMichael were made Head Boy and Girl.” Severus said.

“Yes. I think they will make a wonderful Head Boy and Girl.” Albus replied.

Just then Minerva entered the hall with the first years. After the sorting Hat sang its song the sorting began. One-by-one the new students were sorted. After the last student was sorted and seated Albus rose to his feet.

“Welcome one and all to a new year at Hogwarts. I have a few start of term announcements. First of all the Forbidden Forest is off limits. Second I’d like to say congratulations to our new Head Boy and Head Girl, Jonathon McMichael of Ravenclaw and Hermione Granger of Gryffindor. And finally, please welcome this years Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher Professor Remus J. Lupin.” Albus said.

The doors opened and in walked Remus. The hall erupted in applause and cheers. Especially from the Gryffindor table. Remus smiled as he took his seat next to Severus who clapped politely.

“Now everyone tuck in and enjoy the feast.” Albus concluded.

The hall was then filled with the smell of delicious food. Everyone dug in. As usual the food was wonderful. Throughout dinner Severus watched as Hermione talked, laughed and joked with her friends.

“Something wrong Severus?” Remus asked.

“ Huh? Oh no Lupin. I was just thinking.” Severus answered.

“If you say so.” Remus said with a knowing smile.

Severus scowled and continued his dinner. Down at the Gryffindor table Hermione was watching Severus as well.

“So how many classes are you taking this year Mione?” Ginny asked.

“About half of what I was taking last year.” Hermione answered.

“Have you finally decided what you’re going to do after Hogwarts?” Ron asked.

“Well I’m going into Aurora training. What about you two?” Harry answered.

“I’m not sure yet. I’ll probably go to work with my dad. Mione?” Ron replied.

“Either I’m going into Potions or Alchemy. Maybe both if I can.” Hermione said.

“You need to loosen up Hermione. You’re all work and no play.” Ron said as he bit into a chicken leg.

“Ron’s right. Basically girl, we need to get you laid.” Ginny stated.

Ron began chocking. Harry was tomato red as he started pounding on Ron’s back. Hermione and Ginny began laughing. Finally Ron calmed down.

“Aren’t...you...embarrassed?” Ron asked Hermione.

“No. But you two sure seem to be.” she answered as she and Ginny began laughing once again.

After dinner Hermione sat in her room reading a book. The whole time her thoughts returned to the man who had stolen her heart. Severus Snape.

‘When did I realize I loved him? Should I tell him? No, I can’t. We could never be together anyway. He’s my professor plus our ages. Not to mention his past.’ she thought sadly.

She put away her book, changed out of her clothes and climbed under the blankets. Within minutes she was sound asleep. Down in the dungeons Severus sat with Remus drinking tea.

“How is my mother?” Severus asked.

“She’s fine. A bit agitated at being away from her manor, but fine.” Remus answered with a chuckle.

“Now, you want to tell me why you were staring at Hermione Granger tonight at the feast?” Remus added.

“What are you talking about Lupin?” Severus demanded.

“Come on. Are you telling me that over the last year of working together with her you haven’t noticed that she’s grown into a beautiful young woman? Plus, I’ve noticed her checking you out as well.” Remus replied calmly.

“I think you are assuming too much Lupin.” Severus growled.

Severus started to take a sip of tea then changed his mind. He rose to his feet and walked to his desk. There he pulled out a tumbler and a bottle of scotch. Remus chuckled into his tea cup.

“Well, I guess I’ll turn in. Good night Severus.” Remus said with a smile.

Once alone Severus plopped down behind his desk.

“Damn nosey werewolf.” he grumbled to himself.

‘Who are you trying to kid? Ever since last summer you’ve noticed that Hermione has become a very beautiful witch.’ he thought to himself.

As he took another drink his thoughts continued.

‘She’s intelligent, caring, brave, and noble. I wish we could be together but we can’t. One, she’s my student and two, her age would be a problem.’ he thought.

Severus put out all the lights, stripped off his clothes as he entered the bedroom and climbed into his king-size four poster bed.

Meanwhile Voldemort was meeting with a few of his Death Eaters.

“My lord, it seems that Snape’s mother has been moved into hiding.” a man said.

“I see. So Dumbledore has hidden dear Isabell Snape. Jordon, you and Martin begin looking for her. Patrick will stay with me. Is that clear?” Voldemort ordered.

The three men bowed in acceptance. Jordon and Martin hurried from the room. Voldemort turned to Patrick.

“You are to find everything you can on Severus. Find the ones that he cares the most about. Find ways to hurt him the worst.” Voldemort instructed.

“Yes my lord.” Patrick said.

He bowed and left the room. Voldemort sat down before the fire place.

‘Soon. Severus will soon pay for his betrayal. Everyone he loves will die. Then he will die, along side Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore.’ Voldemort thought.

“Severus I love you.” Hermione replied.

“And I love you Hermione. Will you marry me?” Severus asked.

“Yes! Of course I’ll marry you!” Hermione cried as she threw her arms around his neck.

Severus kissed Hermione gently as he held her tightly against him. When they pulled away they smiled lovingly at each other. Hand-in-hand they headed for the lake.

“It’s a beautiful night.” she sighed.

“Yes it is. When do you want to marry?” he asked.

“As soon as Voldemort is dead and gone. The very day he’s gone.” she replied.

“You got it.” he said as he hugged her.

“Hermione. Hermione wake up.” a female voice said.

“Huh? Ugh. What time is it?” Hermione mumbled as her brain began to wake up.

She opened her eyes and found Ginny standing at her bedside.

“It’s time to get up. Jonathon let me in. You seemed to be having a good dream.” Ginny answered as she sat in the chair at Hermione’s desk.

“Yeah. What time is it?” Mione questioned as she e climbed out of bed.

“6. I thought we could head to breakfast early and maybe have a chat.” Ginny replied with a smile.

Hermione nodded. She gathered her clothes and headed for the bathroom. Twenty minutes later the two young women headed down for the Great Hall.

“So have you told him?” Ginny asked.

“What are you talking about?” Hermione said.

“Professor Snape. Look, over the past year and a half I’ve noticed how you’ve been looking at him. You’re in love with him aren’t you?” Ginny replied.

“I’m that obvious huh? To answer your question yes I am. And in response to your other question, no I haven’t told him. I can’t tell him.” Hermione said.

“Why is that?” Ginny asked.

“One, he’s my professor, two his age and three, his past. Not that I care about that part though.” Hermione answered as they entered the hall.

“I see. You do realize that age in our world matter very little. As long as both the people are of age. Look, I know you’ve been made a member of the Order because of your knowledge of potions. Plus you and the professor work very close with each other. I think you should tell him.” Ginny explained as they began to fill their plates.

Before Hermione could talk the subject of their conversation entered the hall. Severus walked up and sat down at the head table. As he poured him a cup of coffee he glanced at Hermione and Ginny.

‘She really is beautiful.’ Severus thought as he sipped his coffee and started eating his breakfast.

“Good morning my boy.” Albus greeted as he sat at the table.

“Morning sir.” Severus greeted.

The two ate in silence. Thirty minutes later Albus spoke again.

“Severus, I need you to meet me in my office after classes today.” Albus said.

“Yes sir.” Severus replied.

“Morning guys.” Hermione said as Ron and Harry sat down across from her and Ginny.

Ron and Harry nodded as they started on breakfast. Fifteen minutes the four headed to their classes. Hermione headed to Ancient Ruins while Harry and Ron headed to Divination. As Hermione made her way to class she was cornered by Draco Malfoy.

“Well mudblood where are your bodyguards?” Draco drawled.

“Don’t you have anything better to do than bother me?” Hermione retorted.

“You know, too bad you’re not a pure-blood. I bet you would love to be my girl.” he said as he circled her.

“Yeah right. As if I would even want to be your girl. Now get out of my way.” she said as she pushed past him.

When Hermione met up with Ron and Harry for Double Potions she had forgotten about her run in with Malfoy.

“Now, you all have been in my N.E.W.T’s class. Today we will start by making the Poly-Juice Potion. Can anyone tell me how long the potion takes to make?” Severus asked.

Both Ron and Harry raised their hands along with a few other students.

“Mr. Weasley.” Severus said.

“The potion takes a month to make.” Ron answered.

“Five points to Gryffindor. Potter, can you tell me what the potion does?” Severus asked.

“It allows whoever drinks it to transform into another person for an hour. And it’s only for human transformations.” Harry answered.

“Another five points to Gryffindor. Now, I want everyone to read the first step of the potion. Once you’ve done that go to the stores cabinet and get the ingredients you will need.” Severus instructed.

The class got to work. Severus sat at his desk and monitored his students. One-by-one the students retrieved the ingredients they needed. He walked amongst his class as they began their potions.

‘Potter and Weasley are finally paying attention.’ he thought as he passed the two.

He paused behind Malfoy who was too busy glaring at Hermione and not paying attention to the ingredient he was about to drop into his cauldron.

‘Stupid boy. It’s a wonder he hasn’t killed himself or someone else yet.’ he thought.

“Mr. Malfoy, are you trying to kill us? If you add that now you will blow us to hell and back! I suggest you pay more attention to your potion than your fellow students!” Severus bellowed.

“Y...yes sir.” Draco stuttered.

The class snickered as Severus continued walking amongst his students. Ten minutes before the end of class Remus entered the room.

“I’m sorry to interrupt Professor Snape, but the Headmaster sent me to tell you and Miss Granger are to report to his office. Now.” Remus said.

From the look on his face Severus and Hermione knew something was wrong. Severus told the class to put away their things and leave. After casting a spell to preserve the potions he, Hermione and Remus headed to meet with Albus.

When they reached the office they found Arthur Weasley and Isabell’s brother there.

“Severus, Hermione, please have a seat.” Albus said.

“What the hell is he doing here?” Severus asked pointing at his uncle.

“That’s what I want to know. I don’t want anything to do with this little son-of-a-bitch Albus. He’s nothing but a reminder of that bastard my sister married. Thank Merlin he’s dead now.” Severus’s uncle said angrily.

“Nicholas please calm down. Arthur has some unfortunate news. Arthur.” Albus ordered.

“At 9 this morning Molly went to see if Isabell needed anything from London or Diagon Alley. When she entered the house she called out to Isabell. No answer. Molly checked the house. There was no sign of Isabell anywhere.

“Molly then went to the backyard. She found Isabell laying face down in the grass clutching her wand. Molly immediately apparated herself and Isabell to St. Mungo’s.” Arthur said sadly.

“Is Isabell alright?” Nicholas demanded.

“No. She died half an hour ago. I’m sorry.” Arthur answered.

“You! It’s all your fault you bastard!” Nicholas screamed as he lunged at Severus.

The force of the contact caused the chair Severus was sitting in to fall backwards.

“You killed my sister! You should have died with your father! I’ll kill you! I’ll kill you myself you fucker!” Nicholas screamed as he punched Severus in the face and slammed his shoulders into the stone floor.

“Nicholas! Stop!” Albus cried as he, Arthur and Remus pulled him off his nephew.

Hermione rushed to Severus’s side and helped him sit up. She pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to him to put against his split lip.

“He killed her Albus!” Nicholas roared.

“Nicholas, Severus didn’t kill Isabell. I’m waiting on the autopsy report from St. Mungo’s. If you can’t calm yourself then you must leave and return home.” Albus stated.

“I want to know what killed Isabell. And you. Know this you fucker, Isabell’s blood is on your hands. Tell me how do you sleep at night with the blood of your victims on your hands?” Nicholas stated.

He then was escorted away by Arthur. Hermione helped Severus sit on the couch.

“He’s right. I killed my mother. The only person who understood and loved me despite my past.” Severus said hoarsely.

“No he’s not. Professor you tried to protect your mother. It’s not your fault.” Hermione said gently.

“How would you know! You have a family who loves you!” Severus yelled as he jumped to his feet.

“Is that what you think? You’re wrong. Once my family found out I was a witch they said I wasn’t to come around them ever again. All I had were my parents. That’s why I hardly went home for the holidays.

“When my parents were killed 2 years ago they all blamed me. At the funeral they said I should have died instead of my parents. Luckily my parent’s will left me with everything my parents owned.

“Since I was of age here everything was taken care of. I’m not allowed within a foot of my family. The only family I have is the Order, the Wesley’s and Harry. So yes I know exactly what you’re going through right now.” Hermione said.

“I’m sorry Miss Granger. It’s just hard to believe she’s dead.” Severus said as he sat down beside her.

“Severus I think you need to rest. Remus you have classes to teach. I’ll cover the rest of your classes Severus. Hermione would you...” Albus started.

“If Professor Snape doesn’t mind, I would be happy to stay with him.” Hermione replied.

“I would be fine with that.” Severus said.

“Good. I will tell your friends that you are doing me a favor and your professors the truth. I’ll also retrieve your assignments for you.” Albus said.

Hermione nodded. Together she and Severus headed for his chambers. They took back stair ways to the dungeons. Severus led her into his private chambers.

“Why don’t you sit down. Can I get you something to eat or drink?” Hermione asked as she sat him on the couch.

“There’s a bottle of scotch in my desk drawer. I could use a glass then a cup of hot tea.” Severus answered wearily.

“Sure.” she said.

She went to the fire place first and ordered a pot of hot tea from the kitchens. Then she went to his desk. There she poured a glass of scotch and carried it to him.

“Thank you.” he said.

Hermione sat beside him. Slowly he drank the scotch. The tea arrived a few seconds later.

“Here’s your tea miss.” Winky said.

“Thank you Winky.” Hermione replied.

“Does miss need anything more?” Winky asked.

“Not right now. Thanks.” Hermione said.

Winky bowed and disappeared with a pop. Hermione poured Severus a cup of tea.

“Sugar?” she asked.

“2 cubes please.” he answered.

Hermione dropped the cubes into the tea. Severus drained his scotch. After a second he took a sip of the tea. In three large gulps his tea cup was empty.

“Now what?” he asked.

“We wait for Dumbledore to tell us what move the Order will make. For now we wait. Which is the hardest thing to do.” she answered.

Severus buried his face in his hands and cried. Hermione gathered the Wizard in her arms and held him.

“Sshh. Everything will be fine.” she whispered as she stroked his raven hair.

“Why? Why my mother?” he cried.

“He wants to break you. You can’t let him Professor Snape. Come on, I think you need to rest. Let’s get you into bed.” she said.

Gently she helped Severus to his feet. She then headed for his bedroom. Once there she turned down the bed and eased Severus against the pillows. She pulled off his shoes and tucked him in. She then sat at his side as he rested his hands on his chest.

“I’m alone now. The one person who understood me and cared about me despite the things I’ve done in my past is dead.” he said brokenly.

“You’re not alone. Your mother wasn’t the only person who loves you for you.” Hermione said softly.

“What are you talking about?” Severus asked.

“Me professor.” Hermione answered.

Severus simply looked at Hermione. She reached over and took one of his hands in both of hers. Her hands held his tightly.

“Professor, I know I shouldn’t tell you this, but you should know. I have fallen in love with you. I’m not entirely sure when I fell for you I just know I did. I know you’re my professor, our ages may be a problem and so could your past. I don’t give a damn about those things.

“As long as I’m alive I’ll always be there for you. I’m not telling you this because I expect anything from you. I just wanted you to know that as long as I live I will always be here for you, even if it’s only as a friend.” Hermione said as she held his hand.

“Miss Granger I...I don’t know what to say.” Severus said.

“You don’t have to say anything. For now just close your eyes and get some rest. You’ve had a long morning. I’ll be here when you wake up. I promise.” she said.

Severus nodded. He closed his eyes. Slowly his breathing became regular. Hermione stayed at his side.

“Don’t worry Severus. Everything will be fine. Voldemort will pay. Soon your pain will be over and you can heal and move on with your life. I’ll be at your side through it all. I promise.” she whispered as she brushed a lock of hair off his forehead.

Severus slept most of the afternoon. Albus came by after lunch was over.

“How is he?” Albus asked.

“I think he’s going to be fine.” Hermione answered.

“I hate to do this, but could you wake him? I have his mother’s autopsy report.” Albus requested.

“Sure.” she said and leaned over Severus.

“Professor, the Headmaster’s here.” Hermione said as she gently shook his shoulder.

Severus groaned and stretched. Slowly he opened his eyes. The first person he saw was Hermione’s face.

“You stayed.” he said in surprise.

“I told you I would. The Headmaster is here.” she replied with a small smile.

Severus sat up and propped himself up against the headboard. He then faced Albus.

“What do you know?” Severus asked.

“It seems that Isabell had several internal injuries. Many of them caused extensive internal bleeding. That bleeding plus a few doses of the Curico Curse was what killed her in the end.” Albus answered.

Severus closed his eyes tight. A few tears squeezed out of the corners of his eyes. Albus placed a hand on Severus’s knee while Hermione put one on his shoulder.

“So now what?” Severus asked.

The Order has been informed about your mother. We need to know the people you care most about. It seems Voldemort is making things personal. Especially for you.” Albus answered.

“Albus, the people I care about are all in the Order.” Severus said.

“Very well. Do you wish to tell me who? That way we can keep a better watch over them.” Albus asked.

“If it will help. There’s you and Minerva obviously. Arthur Weasley and his wife, Poppy, Alastor Moody, umm...Tonks, Lupin and Miss Granger here.” Severus answered.

“Miss Granger? Well, I’m glad to see that putting you two together has been a good thing. I will inform the Order. Try to eat something my boy. Everything will be okay.” Albus said with a smile.

Hermione simply shook her head as the Headmaster left the chambers.

“Meddling old codger.” Severus grumbled.

“That he is. Well professor, what would you like to eat?” Hermione asked with a smile.

“I could go for some of that fried chicken we had last night. And a piece of lemon pie.” he answered.

“Any vegetables?” she asked.

“Corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, and sweet peas.” he replied.

Hermione headed into the sitting room to order their lunch. Fifteen minutes later the two were in the sitting room eating. As they ate both would watch each other.

he thought.

‘Why did I tell him?! Oh who am I kidding? I just wanted him to know that he is loved. He’s had such a hard life. I think he deserves a second chance to live his life.’ she thought.

After lunch the two sat by the fire reading. Well, Hermione sat reading, Severus sat watching her as she did. Finally he closed his book, he walked to her and knelt before her.

“Professor, is something wrong?” Hermione asked as she sat her book aside.

“Miss Granger, after what you told me this morning I feel there’s something I should tell you. Now before you say anything this is something I feel I must get off my chest. Please bear with me on this.

“I can’t tell you how much it meant to me when you said how you felt about me. Since you have been honest I should as well. Ever since last summer I couldn’t help but notice that you have become a very beautiful young witch.

“I can’t say if what I’m feeling is love or not. I would like to be friends to start with. Who knows what could happen. If this war wasn’t going on and perhaps if I were different I would have happily taken you to my mother for her approval. Then sometime later we would marry.

“But things aren’t that simple. I wish it were. I wish I was a better man. My past is very dark as I’m sure you’re aware of.” Severus said.

“Professor, as I said earlier, I don’t give a damn about your past. I would love for us to be friends. And since we are friends don’t you think, that in private at least, we could drop all the formalities?” Hermione replied.

“I would like that. Hermione.” he said with a smile.

“Tell me, what will happen to your family home?” she asked.

“It will go to me. Much to the displeasure of my Uncle Nicholas. Along with everything else that belonged to my mother.” he answered.

“Why does he hate you? You couldn’t help who your father was.” Hermione asked.

“He’s hated me even before I was born. He said any spawn of my father’s would be just like him. My father, Damien Thomas Snape, was an evil man. He was a Death Eater through and through. He beat me and my mother.

“I was forced to take the Dark Mark when I was 16. During the summer before my 7th year he came home from a meeting. He had been drinking. He beat me and my mother. He only knocked her out, me on the other hand, he...he nearly killed me.

“Albus stopped by. When Albus found me I was barely alive. He yelled the killing curse. My father dropped to the floor dead. I was taken to St. Mungo’s. After that I began spying.” Severus answered.

Hermione sat on the floor beside him. She gathered him into her arms. Severus wrapped his arms around her.

“Once this war is over and Voldemort is dead, you will be able to mourn your mother and get a second chance at life. And as long as I’m alive I’ll be there to help you anyway I can. I promise.” Hermione whispered.

For the first time in 20 years, Severus William Snape cried. Everything he had buried in his mind was suddenly unburied. He clung desperately to Hermione. She simply held him close and tight as he did so.

An hour later they sat side-by-side on the sofa.

“I’m sorry. That’s the first time I’ve cried in 20 years.” Severus said calmly.

“Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone. I swear.” Hermione replied.

“I think you should get going and clean up for dinner. I’m sure your friends will be anxious to find out where and what you’ve been doing.” he said.

“Are you sure? Will you be there at dinner?” she asked.

“Yes. To both your questions.” he replied.

Hermione nodded. Severus walked her to the door. She hugged him and kissed his cheek. They smiled at each other then she turned and headed for her room to clean up for dinner.
Hermione reached dinner before her friends. She spotted Severus who was talking to Remus. Their eyes locked and she smiled gently. He raised his goblet in a silent salute to her.

“Mione, what have you been doing?” Harry asked.

“Yeah. Dumbledore said you were doing a favor for him.” Ron added.

“I was. He asked if I could do some research for him. That’s why Remus showed up. Me and Professor Snape were both researching some potion for the Order.” Hermione answered.

“What kind of potion?” Ginny asked as she filled her plate.

“To be honest I’m not sure. All I’ve been doing is researching ingredients. That’s about all I know.” Hermione replied truthfully.

Her friends began telling her about their day. Midway through dinner about a dozen or so owls flew in to deliver the Evening Prophet. Hermione and Harry paid for theirs, while Hermione sat hers aside Harry opened his right away.

“No. This has to be some mistake.” Harry said quietly.

“What mate?” Ron asked.

“The Dursley’s. They’re dead.” Harry said.

T.B.C