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 3

September quickly passed. Hermione went to the trial and Draco was sentenced to 4 years in Azkaban. October was accompanied by cold and rainy weather.

Two weeks before Halloween found Hermione and Severus in his private study researching the last bit of the potion they were working on.

“What about if we added a few drops of Phoenix tears? Could that work?” Hermione asked as she flipped through an old potions book.

“Hmm. That might work. Why don’t we take a break. We’ve been working non stop for two and a half hours.” Severus answered.

Hermione closed her book and stood up to stretch. Severus walked over and began to massage her stiff shoulders. Over the past month and a half they had gotten even closer.

“How are your classes going?” he asked.

“They’re going fine. Harry has been keeping the Quidditch team busy with practice. They are determined to win the Quidditch Cup this year.” she answered.

“Well, they stand a good chance. Are you going to Hogsmeade this weekend?” he asked.

“Yeah. Ron, Ginny and Harry want us to spend the day together since we have all been so busy lately.” she replied.

Severus nodded. The two sat on the couch. Hermione sat on his lap with Severus’s arm wrapped tightly around her.

“I love you.” he whispered into her ear.

“And I love you.” she whispered back.

She turned her head to face him. Their lips met in a gentle kiss. Her arms wrapped around his neck. The kiss wore on and became more heated. Severus slowly began to kiss down her neck.

“Severus.” she moaned as his lips gently glided over her smooth skin.

He softly eased her down on the couch. He stared at the beauty beneath him.

“Hermione, if you want to stop say so now.” he said, his voice husky and breathless.

“We should. It’s getting late and I need to get back to my room.” she replied.

Severus nodded. He pulled her to her feet and they left the study. She gathered her notes and cloak. Together they left his chambers. After her attack Hermione was escorted to her room from her research by Severus. They paused outside her door and just stared at each other.

“Sweet dreams my dear. I love you.” Severus said as he hugged her.

“I love you too and you have sweet dreams as well.” Hermione said.

Severus kissed her hand gently and turned to leave.

“Severus wait!” she called.

He turned to face her. She walked up to him and kissed him fully. He held her to him. When they pulled away their faces were only an inch apart.

“I love you Severus William Snape.” she whispered as she stepped away.

“And I love you Hermione Elease Granger.” he replied with a smile.

He wait till she was safely in her room then returned to his chambers. He changed out of his robes and got into bed. He reached over and took the book from his night stand and began reading. After an hour he replaced the book, extinguished the candles and fell asleep.

“It’s a beautiful day.” Hermione sighed.

“Not as beautiful as you.” Severus whispered in her ear.

It was a beautiful December day. Hermione and Severus were enjoying a walk around the frozen lake. The pair sat on a nearby log.

“I’m glad you stayed here with me.” Severus said as he held her close.

“Well, Ginny, Ron, Harry, Sirius, and Remus threatened to feed me to Fluffy if I didn’t. Of course they didn’t need to perused me.” she giggled.

Severus began laughing. The two were soon laughing so hard they fell off the log and into the snow. They finally were able to get to their feet. As they did someone jumped out and wretched Hermione from Severus’s arms.

“Severus!” she screamed.

Severus spun around and found two men. One of which was holding a struggling Hermione with a dagger at her throat.

“One move and she dies.” said the man who held Hermione.

“Such a pretty little thing.” the other man added evilly.

“Please let her go.” Severus pleaded.

“I’m afraid we can’t. She has a date with the Dark Lord.” the man holding Hermione replied.

“No!” Hermione screamed as she began to fight as hard as she could.

The other man began to laugh an evil laugh. Severus lunged at the man . The two fell into the snow. With a sickening crack Severus broke the stranger’s neck.

“Let her go!” Severus screamed in anger.

“I guess she won’t make her date after all.” the man said.

A second later he slammed the dagger deep into Hermione’s heart. Her body fell lifelessly to the snow. Her blood staining the pure white snow red.

“NOOOO!!!! HERMIONE!” Severus screamed.

“HERMIONE!” he screamed as he sat up straight in bed drenched in a cold sweat.

“Not again. It can’t be. I haven’t had a premonition in 19 years. No.” he moaned as he buried his face in his hands.

He quickly jumped to his feet and got dressed. Once dressed he ran from his rooms and straight to Albus’s office. He said the password and burst into the office.

“Albus! I need to talk to you! Now!” he yelled.

Albus appeared a second later wearing a purple dressing gown.

“Severus? What is the matter? It’s 2 in the morning.” Albus questioned.

“I know, but I had a premonition.” Severus replied.

“What? Are you sure?” Albus asked, the concern evident in his voice and face.

“Yes. I know it’s been 19 years since I last had one but I’m positive. Oh Albus it was horrible.” Severus answered as tears filled his eyes.

Albus helped him into a chair. He then conjured a hot pot of tea.

“Tell me about it.” Albus said.

Severus told Albus every detail about his premonition. Tears ran down his cheeks as he told how Hermione was killed before his eyes.

“Albus, I love her so much. I can’t and won’t lose her. Merlin what am I going to do?” Severus said tearfully.

“Don’t worry. My boy, I think it’s time you tell Hermione.” Albus said.

“No! I can’t tell her.” Severus exclaimed.

“Severus, you have nothing to be ashamed of. If I know Hermione she would want to know.” Albus said gently.

Severus nodded reluctantly. After he finished his tea he returned to his chambers and wrote a note to Hermione.

The next morning at breakfast Hermione received the note from Severus asking her to meet him after dinner in the courtyard. She looked up at the staff table, caught his eye, and nodded.

All day Severus kept thinking about how to tell his beloved about his gift.

‘What will she say? What will she do? She wouldn’t leave me because of it. Or would she?’ he thought as he made his way to dinner.

Throughout dinner he watched her closely. Hermione would be the sixth person who knew his secret. Only Albus, his mother, Minerva, Poppy, and Lily Potter knew. Now he was telling Hermione. After he wrote the note to Hermione her remained awake. Afraid to close his eyes. All too soon it was time to meet Hermione.

Hermione returned to her room, grabbed cloak and headed for the courtyard. She found Severus sitting at the edge of the fountain staring at his reflection in the stone basin.

“Severus?” she said as she approached.

He looked up at her. His face a mixture of fear, weariness and sadness.

“What’s wrong?” she asked as she sat beside him.

“There’s…there’s something I have…have to tell you.” he stuttered.

“Whatever it is you can tell me.” she said as she took his hand in hers.

Severus took a deep breath then spoke.

“When I was a child I found I had a special gift. I had premonitions. I told my mother. She helped me hide it from my father. If it ever got back to Voldemort I would be in danger. Some were good premonitions. You know finding a lost object or knowing something good would happen to me and mother. Others were horrible. I would often see Voldemort’s victims and their deaths. Hear their screams as they were murdered.

“When I started here they got worse. Albus, Poppy and Minerva were the only ones who knew. Well, up until my 6th year. Harry’s mother, Lily, found out. She and I were friends. The last premonition I had was nineteen years ago. I saw James and Lily being killed. I went to Albus. They were moved then to Godric Hollow. But my premonition still came true. Last night I had my first premonition since then.” Severus said.

“What was the premonition? Severus love, what did you see?” Hermione asked.

“I…I saw…I saw you. You and I were at the lake. It was Christmas. You stayed here with me while your friends left. Two men appeared. I broke one’s neck, but the other had you. They were to take you to Voldemort. The one that had you stabbed…stabbed you in the…heart. All I…could do was watch you die before my very eyes.” Severus answered.

Hermione moved closer to him. She gently took him in her arms.

“Is there nothing we can do? To stop the premonition from coming true I mean?” she asked.

“Yes. At Christmas you must not stay. Go with Remus and Sirius to 12 Grimmwauld Place. You can’t stay here with me.” he answered pleadingly.

“I will. You have my word.” she said.

They sat there holding each other. Hermione gently stroked his hair. Severus clung to her as if she would be taken from him at any moment. They finally pulled away.

“Would you care for a walk?” he asked.

“I would like that.” she answered.

Arm-in-arm they set off on an evening stroll . Above them three pairs of eyes watched them happily.

“They make a perfect couple.” Ron said.

“Yeah they do.” Harry agreed.

“I hope once this war is over they can be together. Forever.” Ginny replied.

As they re-entered the castle Severus pulled Hermione into an unused classroom. Before she could speak, he crushed his lips over hers. Hermione moaned at his aggressive move. Severus tangled his fingers in her hair holding her firmly to him. Hermione too held him to her.

“Hermione, you’re so beautiful.” he whispered in her ear as his hands began to roam her body.

“Oh Severus.” she whimpered.

“I want you my love. But we can’t.” he whispered huskily against her neck.

“I know but right now I could care less.” she moaned as she felt his member against her thigh.

Painfully he pulled away from her luscious body.

“Not now love. As much as we may want to.” he said.

“I know. I just don’t know how much longer I can wait.” she sighed.

After a moment they exited the room and continued to Hermione’s room. When they reached her door they just stared at one another.

“Good night. I shall see you tomorrow in class.” Severus said.

“Good night then.” Hermione replied.

He leaned down and softly kissed her cheek. She smiled, said her password and entered her rooms. He then turned and returned to his chambers for the night.

The week flew by. Soon it was Friday night. As the students sat down for dinner Albus rose to his feet. The hall fell silent.

"Before we eat, I have an announcement. On Halloween there will be a following the feast. A masked ball. It will be for 3rd years and up. 1st and 2nd years will be allowed to attend the feast and then they will return to their dormitories.

“The older students will be allowed to return to their rooms and dress for the ball. Now, let’s eat.” Albus announced.

The hall was instantly filled with talk of the ball on Halloween.

“Are you going Severus?” Remus asked.

“I doubt it. You know I’m not fond of these balls. How many did I attend when we were here?” Severus answered.

“I’m sure Hermione will be disappointed.” Remus said.

Down at Gryffindor table Hermione’s friends were trying to talk her into going.

“Mione, you have to go.” Ron said.

“Yeah. Come on, it’s our last year here at Hogwarts. Our last year together.” Harry added.

“I don’t know. I really should look over the research Severus and I have been working on.” Hermione said.

“The research won’t go anywhere. Plus it’s only for a night.” Ginny said.

“Okay. I guess the four of us could go shopping for our costumes tomorrow in Hogsmeade.” Hermione sighed.

The four then began planning their costumes. As they did Hermione knew the perfect costume. After dinner Hermione stood at the window watching the brilliant thunder storm outside.

“You all right Hermione?” Jonathon asked.

“Yeah. I was just thinking.” Hermione answered.

“Who is he?” he asked.

“Someone who is very dear to me.” she replied.

“I see. Do you think Ginny Weasley would go to the ball with me?” he questioned.

“Yes. If you ask. I suggest you do so tomorrow at breakfast.” she said with a smile.

Saturday dawned partially cloudy with a crisp fall wind. As everyone headed for breakfast, Hermione smiled as she watched Jonathon pull Ginny aside as she entered the hall. Ginny returned a few minutes later with a smile.

After a hardy breakfast they headed for the village of Hogsmeade. They agreed to get their costumes first then look around.

“So, what did McMichael want?” Ron asked.

“He asked me to the ball.” Ginny replied.

“You said yes right?” Ron said.

“Of course.” she answered.

“Good. He’s a good guy.” Ron replied.

In no time they entered the costume shop. Hermione immediately started looking for the perfect outfit. After fifteen minutes she found it. She took it off the rack and into the changing room. It fit perfectly. Hermione quickly changed back into her robes skirt and blouse. She then began looking for a mask. As she was looking the owner approached her.

“Can I help you?” the lady asked.

“Actually, I’m having a hard time finding a mask to match my costume here.” Hermione answered as she held up her costume.

“That is a wonderful choice. I think I have the perfect thing. Follow me.” the lady said with a smile.

The owner led Hermione to the back of the store. There she removed a box from a shelf and sat it on the counter. There inside lay a beautiful mask.

“This mask is our finest. It goes with the costume you now hold. We have held onto the mask, waiting for the right person. And that is you. Hermione Granger.” she said.

Hermione stared at the owner in surprise.

“Yes I know of you. You have stolen the heart of a dear friend of mine. He sent word this morning saying that anything you buy is on him.” the owner said with a smile.

“I will have to have a talk with him then.” Hermione said.

“Here, I will take these while you finish looking for your costume.” the owner replied.

An hour later Ginny, Ron, Hermione and Harry left the shop. The four spent the rest of the trip exploring the many shops. Their last stop before they returned to the castle was The Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer.

“So, what are you three dressing as?” Hermione asked once they were seated with their drinks.

“I’m going as King Arthur.” Harry answered.

“Me and Jonathon are going as Diana and Endymion.” said Ginny.

“I’m going as Lancelot.” Ron said.

“What about you Mione?” Harry asked.

“That is a surprise. You guys won’t believe this though.” she answered as she took a swig of her butterbeer.

“What?” the three answered.

“Severus sent word to this morning to the costume shop. He told the owner to send my bill to him. He has paid for my costume. Can you believe that?” she explained.

“Wow! That is some man you’ve got.” Ginny said.

Just then three Slytherin boys approached their table.

“Well, well. If it isn’t the mudblood and her entourage.” Patrick Lensheer snarled.

“Get lost.” Hermione sneered.

“You will pay for what you did to Draco.” Goyle added.

“I’d watch my back.” Crabbe said evilly.

“Leave! Now!” Harry ordered as he reached for his wand.

“Let’s go. But know this, I know your secret mudblood. No one can protect you from the Dark Lord.” Patrick said quietly.

Hermione was quite shaken by Patrick’s parting words. Shaken that somehow Patrick had found out about her and Severus. But that was impossible. She used the teacher’s stairwell. No student knew about it.

‘He couldn’t have heard what I said, they weren’t close enough to hear. Once we get back I need to talk to Severus.’ she thought.

“You all right Mione?” Ron asked.

“No. We need to get back.” Hermione answered.

The four quickly left the pub and hurried back to the castle. Once they reached the castle Hermione led them straight to Albus’s office. They burst in without knocking.

“Miss Granger, what is wrong?” Albus asked.

“I’m sorry for just barging in like this but something happened in Hogsmeade. Patrick Lensheer said something that worried me.” Hermione answered as she sat down.

“What did he say?” Albus questioned.

“He said he knew my secret. Could it be that he has somehow found out about me and Severus?” she replied.

“I seriously doubt that. Seeing as how you are never seen with Severus.” Albus answered reassuringly.

“It could be he’s fishing for information. We know Patrick is a Death Eater. He could be using to find information.” Harry said.

“Harry’s right. Don’t take what he said to heart.” Ron added.

“But just to be safe, perhaps you should borrow Harry’s cloak whenever you go to meet Severus.” Albus suggested.

After they left the headmaster’s office Hermione felt a lot better. Hermione returned to her room while Ginny, Ron and Harry returned to Gryffindor Tower. Once her costume was safely tucked away she decided to take a quick shower before dinner.

Hermione sat at dinner with her friends feeling completely renewed. Her worries about Patrick Lensheer gone from her mind. As she ate Severus watched her closely.

“She’ll be fine.” Albus said.

“I know. I’m just worried Voldemort will find out about us. Remember my vision? By Christmas he will know.” Severus sighed.

“I hear you paid for her costume.” Albus said slyly.

“Yes. The owner, Marie and I are old friends. I sent word for Hermione to pick any thing she needed. Marie told me of Hermione’s choice.” Severus replied.

“Ah yes. Young love. Will you be attending the ball?” Albus asked.

“I don’t know.” Severus answered.

“My boy, heed this advise. Don’t be scared to try new things. Go to the ball. Spend time with her. Don’t be scared.” Albus said softly.

For the rest of the night Severus debated his decision. Albus’s words plus Remus’s the night before plagued his mind.

‘Maybe I should go. It is a masked ball. At least we could spend time together.’ he thought as he stared into the fire.

‘She’s safe. And if I go he friends will be there, the staff, Albus and Black. I’ll go, but I’ll surprise her and just show up.’ he decided.

That night Severus went to bed with a smile on his face. While Severus slept Albus sat up talking with Minerva.

“Poor Severus. He’s finally found happiness and now that happiness is being threatened by Voldemort.” Minerva sighed.

“I know. At dinner I asked if he was attending the ball on Halloween. He told me he didn’t know. Also he had a premonition the other night.” Albus said.

“A premonition? Oh no. He hasn’t had one in 19 years. What did he see?” she asked.

“It took place at Christmas. Apparently she stayed here. Severus saw he killed before his eyes.” he answered.

“No! Is there anyway to prevent this?” Minerva questioned.

“Yes. She has promised to go to 12 Grimmwauld Place.” Albus answered.

“But will that stop the vision or merely delay it?” she asked.

“It should prevent her death. It seems that Severus must see the exact place of an event to prevent it. That’s why he wasn’t able to save the Potters. He never saw the exact place. It would seem James and Lily were meant to die.” he replied.

“For both Severus and Hermione’s sakes I hope she will be safe. I don’t want to think about what her death would do to him.” she sighed sadly.

“I agree Minerva. For now all we can do is watch over them. Especially Hermione. Tomorrow I’m meeting with Harry to have him call the first meeting of the D.A.” he said.

Meanwhile down in the dungeons Severus sat up straight in his bed gasping for air. He had yet another premonition, but one he wanted to come true.

‘That was the most realistic premonition I’ve ever had.’ he thought as he climbed out of bed and headed for the bathroom.

Stiffly he climbed into the cold shower. The cold jets of water did nothing to ease the raging hard-on he had. He turned off the shower and dried off. Wearing nothing but a pair of boxers he entered his sitting room and poured him a glass of Scotch and lit his fire place.

After about ten minutes Severus got to his feet and re-entered his bedroom. He climbed back into bed. Two hours later he fell back asleep.

The two weeks leading to the ball passed slowly. The D.A. had their first meeting the night before the ball. Harry stood before the group.

“Welcome back. Now, everyone here has heard what Voldemort has done to my family. It seems he is making this war personal. Now, tonight I want us to just review a little. At the next meeting Professors Dumbledore and Lupin will both be here. Let’s start with the Disarming Charm first.” Harry stated.

The D.A. continued for two hours. At the end Harry was very pleased . It seemed everyone had improved since last year. Harry and Ron escorted Hermione to her rooms.

“Are you ready for the ball tomorrow night?” Ron asked.

“Yeah. I finished the final touches this afternoon.” Hermione answered.

“Is he going?” Harry questioned.

“I don’t know. We haven’t really had the chance to talk. I hope he will, but if he isn’t I’ll understand.” she sighed.

They reached her room. They waited for her door to open before they left. Hermione entered her room, removed her uniform, put on her nightgown and flopped onto her bed.

‘I wish I knew if he was going or not. These last two weeks have been hell. I have seen him, but been unable to speak with him or even be near him. Except in class.’ she thought sadly.

Hermione climbed under the sheet and blankets. She reached over and turned off her bedside lamp. She lay there and watched the shadows from the fireplace dance along the walls.

‘Oh Severus. I wish you were here. For some reason I feel scared. I could really use you here, just to hold me and tell me everything will be fine.’ she thought as she rolled onto her side.

Severus sat in Remus’s chambers talking. They were discussing the Order’s plans to better protect Harry and Severus.

“Since you both are here the Order feels that by placing a few members here will be enough. For now. Plus during the Quidditch matches and Hogsmeade weekends Harry will be watched. Same for you should you leave the grounds.” Remus explained.

“Great. It feels like my 6th year all over again. My father had me watched like a hawk after he forced me to take the mark.” Severus sighed.

“Look, I know this is weird for you. Albus only wants to protect you and Harry. We both know Harry is getting stronger and Voldemort is getting weaker.

“According to Albus, by Harry starting the D.A. that has only helped make him stronger. Next week Albus and I are going to the meeting. Perhaps you should come along. At least you and Hermione could be near each other.” Remus replied.

“I just night do that. These last 2 weeks have been hard. We haven’t been able to spend any time alone. Since the full moon is tomorrow I’ve been occupied with making you potion. I still haven’t decided if I’m going tomorrow night.” Severus said.

“Severus, go to the ball. I heard what Albus said to you tonight. He’s right. Don’t be afraid to show her how much she means to you. You two are the perfect couple. Look, Albus is canceling all Afternoon classes. Go to Hogsmeade and get a matching costume. Surprise her.” Remus suggested.

Severus finished his drink and rose to his feet.

“Well, I better go. I’ll see you later.” Severus said.

Remus nodded. Severus left the room and made his way down to his chambers. On the main floor he stopped at a window. He stared at the stars twinkling above.

‘They’re right. I shouldn’t be afraid to show Hermione I love her. I think I will go to the ball.’ he thought.

He turned from the window and continued his decent to the dungeons. He had just reached the door to his chambers when something caught his ear.

“Severus.” a female voice whispered.

He froze. He looked all around him. The voice sounded far away yet close by at the same time. Just as he was about to turn and enter his chambers he heard the voice again. But louder.

“Severus, where are you?” the voice said pleadingly.

“Hermione?” Severus asked out loud.

Suddenly he felt as if he need to be at Hermione’s side. In a flash Severus was heading for Hermione’s room. He paused outside her door. He said the default password and entered. He quietly moved across the common room she shared with Jonathon and walked to her bedroom door. He slowly and quietly opened the door. There he saw Hermione asleep. The dying fire cast a reddish glow across the room.

“Severus, where are you? Help me please.” she whimpered in her sleep.

Severus moved closer. She was having a nightmare it seemed. Whatever it was, it caused him to hear her call to him.

“Please, please don’t hurt me. Severus help me.” she cried as she began to thrash around in her bed.

“Hermione, wake up.” Severus whispered as he sat beside her.

“No. Get away.” she moaned.

“Hermione, sweetheart please. Wake up. I’m right here.” he said softly.

“Severus why? Why did you leave me?” she moaned as she began crying.

“Wake up. I’m right here.” he said as he gently took her into his arms.

A few seconds later Hermione awoke with a start and began to struggle.

“Sshh. It’s me Hermione. It’s Severus.” he said gently as he held her tightly to his chest.

“Sev…Severus? You’re here? Oh thank Merlin you’re here.” she cried as she clung to him and buried her face in his chest.

“There, there. You were having a nightmare.” he whispered.

“What…are you doing here?” she asked.

“I was about to enter my chambers when I heard you call to me. I knew you needed me, so I came here.” he answered.

“I didn’t mean to…I mean…I didn’t know…I…” she stuttered.

“I know love. I’m right here.” Severus whispered.

“Severus, hold me. Please, I need to know you’re really here.” Hermione pleaded.

“Of course.” Severus said.

He wrapped his arms around her and gently eased them back onto the bed. Hermione snuggled against his chest. He softly stroked her hair as her breathing once more become regular. A few minutes later Severus too fell sound asleep, his angel tightly in his arms.

T.B.C