Finding Love in War *COMPLETE*

Finding Love in War

Chapter 3- Growing Closer and Discovered

For the remainder of June, Severus got to know Hermione and helped the house elves plan their surprise. Hermione and Severus were currently sitting at the pool side talking. Severus finally decided to talk to her about what Harry and Ron had told him.

“Hermione, that night I went to speak to the Order, your friends Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley told me something,” Severus said.

“What did they say?” Hermione asked.

“They said you had developed some kind of feelings for me. In what way they didn’t know,” he answered.

She sighed, “I always knew they were smarter than they appeared,” She started to get up and walk away.

“Stop. What’s wrong?” he questioned as he stood up and grabbed her arm.

“I’m so embarrassed. I never wanted you to find out this way. I had hoped I’d be able to tell you myself,” she whispered.

Severus pulled her into his arms. “It’s okay. I’ve developed feelings for you too. Mr. Weasley noticed it as well,”

Hermione slowly raised her head and met his eyes. He was smiling down at her. He gently placed his palm against her cheek. She sighed as she turned her face into his hand.

“Look at me Hermione,” he insisted breathlessly.

Helplessly, she looked at him. Severus leaned down and pressed his lips to hers gently. Hermione immediately melted into his arms. The kiss was slow and gentle. A few minutes later, they came apart, but only a few inches.

“Hermione, what are you feeling for me? At this very moment,” he asked.

“I feel safe. I feel as if you and I belong together. As if we’re two halves of one soul,” she answered.

“I couldn’t have said it any better,” he smiled.

“Kiss me again…Severus,” she said.

Severus did just that. This time, the kiss was full of emotion. Both of them pouring what they were currently feeling into the kiss, as if they were trying to meld their very souls together as one.

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“Welcome Oracle,” Voldemort sneered as Lucius, Bella, and Draco led her in.

“I know what you wish to hear Tom Riddle,” the Oracle said calmly.

“Then tell me Oracle and I will make you death a painless one,” Voldemort hissed.

“Two halves will come together as one. A woman of power and a man of power. One light and one dark. Together, they will help destroy the one people fear to speak of. From their union, a new generation will be born. A generation that will lead the Wizarding community in peace and prosperity,” she said.

“Who are they! Tell me!” Voldemort demanded as he rose to his feet.

“They are two who are opposite, yet one in the same. Two people who have had their parents murdered by the same assassin,” she answered serenely.

“Severus Snape and Hermione Granger. We’ll see about that. Avada…” Voldemort began the killing curse, but found the Oracle gone.

“We will kill her for you my Lord,” Draco offered.

“No need. I have heard all I need. You three are dismissed,” Voldemort said.

The three bowed and hurried from the room. From the shadows, stepped Hadrian. He crossed his arms and leaned against one of the pillars on either side of the throne.

“You heard the vision Hadrian,” Voldemort replied as he sat back in his throne.

“Yes. I always knew my son was worthless. I should have killed him after I killed Leilani,” Hadrian stated.

“Well, you’ll get your chance. I will summon him tonight. At the initiation, you will kill him. He will be an example of what happens when one of my Death Eaters betrays me,” Voldemort ordered.

“With pleasure my Lord,” Hadrian smiled wickedly.

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Severus and Hermione spent the rest of the day talking. Hermione told him of her childhood, her hobbies, her future goals, and dreams. Severus in turn told her of his mother and how she brought happiness into his life when his father was away.

“That’s why you became a Death Eater isn’t it? To avenge your mother,” Hermione asked.

“Yes, but I couldn’t bring myself to do what was needed to gain entrance into Voldemort’s Inner Circle,” Severus answered wearily.

Hermione just wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him. After a delicious dinner, they retreated to the library. Suddenly, Severus let out a hiss and clutched his left arm.

“He’s summoning you. You better go,” she said as she let him go.

“You’re safe here. I don’t know how long he’ll keep me, but I’ll try and hurry back,” he replied tensely.

“I understand. I love you,” she whispered.

“And I you,” he smiled.

He kissed her quickly, flicked his wrist and was dressed in his Death Eater robes. With a final nod, he apparated away. Now alone, she grabbed one of the throw pillows and clutched it tightly to her chest.

“Please come back safe Severus,” she whispered.

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Severus appeared in the throne room. He instantly dropped to his knees. A second later, four sets of hands grabbed him at his wrists and ankles. He was hoisted into the air and carried to a waiting alter.

“Hello traitor,” Voldemort laughed.

“Argh! Aaahhh!” Severus yelled as he began to struggle against his captors.

“Pay close attention my new followers! This is the price for betraying me!” Voldemort said, his voice carrying over Severus’ cries.

Five minutes later, Severus was strapped to the alter and his robes stripped from his body. From the shadows came his father. Severus’ eyes widened in a mixture of fear and anger as Hadrian walked to the alter, fingering a wicked looking dagger.

“Well, well. I finally get to do what I should have done twenty years ago…son,” Hadrian said evilly.

“You’re no father of mine you bastard,” Severus spat.

Hadrian only laughed. As he continued laughing, he began his torture. Slowly and methodically, he sliced into Severus’ skin. Severus bit his lip to keep from crying out. He wasn’t about to give Hadrian the satisfaction of hearing him cry out in pain.

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“Miss Hermione, you okay?” Eligh asked as he sat a tray of tea and muffins on the library table.

“No Eligh. Severus has been gone for over a week. I feel something’s wrong,” Hermione answered as she watched the rain patter against the window.

“Don’t worry Miss, Master Severus will come home to you. He loves you. We all sees it,” Eligh said as he patted her hand.

Hermione looked down at the elf and smiled softly. She turned and stared back out the window. A second later, she saw Severus appear on the front lawn and crumple to the rain soaked ground. Hermione gasped and ran from the room. She burst out of the mansion and ran as fast as she could to get to Severus. As she drew closer, she saw he was naked and covered in blood.

“Severus! Oh god, please be alive,” Hermione cried as she knelt beside him and checked his pulse. It was weak, but still there. “Thank god. Severus. Severus can you hear me? Oh please open your eyes. Please. You can’t leave me here alone,”

“H…Her…Hermione,” Severus gasped.

“I’m here. Just hang on. ELIGH! HELP!”

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Four hours later, Hermione sat outside Severus’ room with Harry, Ron, and Francisco. Eligh had sent a dozen house elves to bring Severus inside while he went to get Albus. Albus arrived with Poppy, Minerva, Harry, and Ron. Albus, Poppy, Minerva, and Eligh immediately went to work on Severus while Harry and Ron stayed with Hermione.

“I can’t lose him,” Hermione said tearfully.

“You won’t Mione. Professor Snape will get better. He’s a fighter, just like you,” Ron reassured her.

“Ron’s right. You and Professor Snape are quite a pair. Neither of you knows how to give up,” Harry added.

“Listen to your friends Miss Hermione. They know what they are talking about,” Francisco said.

Hermione could only nod. Francisco hopped off the chair and walked to Hermione. Gently, he laid his head on her knee, doing whatever he could to ease her distress. Hermione placed her hand on the elf’s head. Hermione looked up when she heard the door open, out came Poppy, Albus, and Minerva.

“How is he Madame Pomfrey?” Hermione demanded.

“He’s lucky. He will need to remain in bed for two weeks at least. He’s stable now,” Poppy answered.

“What happened to him?” Hermione asked.

“Miss Granger, I don’t think…”

“Don’t patronize me. I need to know the extent of his injuries,” Hermione said with a fierce glare.

“It’s all right Poppy,” Albus nodded.

“Very well. His left arm was broken in three places. His jaw was cracked, his right leg was fractured and right ankle broken. He was stabbed all over at least twenty times, just deep enough to lose blood slowly, and beaten on top of that,” Poppy replied.

“He was discovered wasn’t he? I have no doubt the same bastard that killed his mother and my parents, also did this,” Hermione hissed.

“Yes, but there’s more. Right now, you go in and see him. Tonight, we will stay here so Poppy can monitor Severus. During breakfast I will explain more,” Albus said.

Hermione nodded. She turned and walked to the door. After a few calming breaths, she entered the room. What she saw broke her heart. Severus laid on the bed, bandages covering his upper torso, and probably his legs as well. Deep purple and black bruises were scattered along his face and what she could see of his upper body. His left arm was bandaged and in a sling, resting against his chest.

“I’ll be outside Miss. You give him strength. He needs it now Miss Hermione,” Eligh whispered.

“I will do what I can,” Hermione said.

She slowly made her way to the bed. Severus seemed to be sleeping peacefully. Gently, she brushed a lock of raven hair off his forehead. He groaned quietly and turned his head to face her.

“Hi,” she smiled.

“You’re a sight for sore eyes,” he said.

“I was so worried when I found you. I’m just glad Eligh got help in time. Madame Pomfrey says you’ll be fine in about two weeks,” she replied as she brushed the back of her hand against his cheek.

“I tried to fight back. Anything to get back to your beautiful face,” he whispered.

“Sshh. Just rest. I’ll stay tight here,” she said softly.

“Lay next to me?” he asked.

Hermione didn’t even nod. She kicked off her shoes, walked around the bed, and climbed in beside him. She moved as close as she could without hurting him and placed her hand in his.

“Just sleep Severus. Your nightmare is over for now,” she said.

Severus closed his eyes and tightened his hold on her hand. After a few minutes, his breathing became even. He was asleep. Hermione let out a relieved sigh as she too fell asleep. It was then that Poppy and Eligh re-entered the room.

“Now I see why she got cross with me,” Poppy whispered.

“Miss Hermione and Master Severus complete each other. They are one soul,” Eligh smiled.

“Yes, I can see that Eligh,” Poppy agreed as she and the elf watched the sleeping couple.

T.B.C