Misjudged

Misjudged

Disclaimer: Anything you recognize I don’t own. This is a non profit story. It’s only for fun.

Summary: Everything starts the last week of Hermione’s 7th year. Both she and Snape find out they have both misjudged each other. As the war draws to a close will romance blossom? Or will their pasts interfere? R/R

Chapter 4- Love and Loss

Hermione woke up still held in Severus’s arms. She looked over and smiled. Severus looked so peaceful. She reached up and brushed a lock of hair from his face. Severus stirred and opened his eyes.

“Morning.” she said.

“Good morning indeed.” he replied.

The shared a brief kiss. Then they climbed out of bed and headed to take a hot shower. As they showered the agreed to have breakfast there then head back to Hogwarts. As they sat down to eat Severus kept shooting nervous glances at Hermione.

“Okay, what is it?” Hermione asked.

“There’s something I have to tell you.” Severus answered.

“What is it?” she asked.

“Remember when we accidentally grabbed each other’s journals at the end of last term?” he said.

“Yeah.” she replied.

“Well, I read it. After that I made a copy. I also added a spell that would add any new entries you wrote.” he said guiltily.

“You did what? Why?” Hermione asked.

“After I read your first entry, it intrigued me. I know I shouldn’t have, but I was curious. I’m sorry Hermione.” Severus answered.

Hermione stayed quiet for a minute. She took a deep breath then spoke.

“It’s all right. I shouldn’t be mad. I guess it’s kind of a relief in a way to share my thoughts with someone else other than that book. Even if it was unintentional.” she said.

“So I’m forgiven?” he asked.

“Yes. I forgive you.” she said with a smile.

An hour later they were dressed and back in his office. They walked out hand-in-hand. They made their way to the Great Hall to wait for everyone to arrive. Outside the hall Severus stopped, pulled her into his arms and kissed her. After a few minutes they entered the hall. Neither noticed the pair of angry brown eyes that watched them enter.

When they entered they were met by Draco and Susan Bones.

“It’s about damn time. I was wondering if you two would ever get together.” Draco said with a smile.

“What the hell are you talking about?” Severus asked.

“I noticed the way you two looked at each other toward the end of our sixth year. I was hoping you two would get together before the battle.” Draco answered.

“You really are a pain in the ares. So when did you two get together?” Hermione asked with a smile.

“Draco and I have been dating secretly since our fifth year. We had to keep it quiet because of his father. But now, we don’t have to hide it anymore.” Susan answered.

The two couples made their way to the chairs. Hermione saw Harry talking to Remus and Sirius. She hadn’t seen Ron but that didn’t bother her. At exactly 10:30 everyone was present and accounted for and seated. Albus rose to his feet and began to speak.

“Now, the sixth and seventh year student will arrive in time for lunch. They will be inside with both aurors and Order members. It is their job to try and fend off any Death Eaters that manage to get past Professor Snape, Madame Pomfrey, Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger.

“The rest of us will be trying to give Harry the window of opportunity he needs to destroy Voldemort. For now I want everyone to prepare for battle. Once the students arrive, we will have lunch then wait here for the battle to begin. Dismissed.” Albus said.

Everyone began talking and heading out of the hall. Hermione and Severus made their way back to his chambers. They sat on the couch and held each other. This was it. The future of their world came down to this day.

The day seemed to fly by. All too soon it was time for everyone to get into position. Just before they exited the castle Severus surprised her. He swept her into his arms and kissed her. This kiss was much different than the others. It seemed as if Severus was pouring everything he felt into it. Hermione was breathless.

“I love you Hermione. Never forget that.” Severus said when they parted.

“And I love you Severus. We’ll win. Then we can be together.” Hermione replied.

They followed Draco and Poppy outside and stood together waiting for Voldemort to arrive.

Everyone waited for about fifteen minutes. Suddenly the gates were blasted open. There was Voldemort and his army of Death Eaters. Voldemort quickly spotted Albus and Harry standing together, along with Ron, Sirius and Remus.

“Well, well. What a surprise. Do you honestly think you can win? Anyone who surrenders now will be spared.” Voldemort said.

“Forget Voldemort! You will be beaten and sent straight to hell!” Harry yelled.

“Fine. You had your chance. ATTACK!” Voldemort cried.

Then it began. The battle quickly turned into utter chaos. Hermione watched as her peers and mentors fought for their freedom. Once and a while Hermione, Severus, Poppy or Draco would send a spell or curse off to help someone.

The battle wore on. Draco was watching over the battle when he suddenly went rigid.

“NOOOO!!!!” he screamed.

Hermione, Poppy and Severus looked out at the sea of curses, spells and bodies. They watched in horror as Susan was hit by the killing curse and fell to the ground. Draco started to run to her but was stopped by Severus.

“Let me go!” Draco screamed.

“Draco, you have to stay here. We have to protect the castle. There’s nothing you can do for her.” Severus said sadly.

Draco tearfully stopped struggling and returned to his place. The battle was getting more horrendous by the minute. Suddenly a group of three Death Eaters appeared before Severus, Poppy, Draco and Hermione.

“Traitor. Let us through or die.” hissed the voice of Lucius Malfoy.

“Go to hell.” Severus said as they raised their wands.

“If I go, then your mudblood whore will go with me.” Lucius said.

The fighting began. Poppy and Draco easily took out Crabbe and Goyle senior. Hermione and Severus took on Lucius. Together they were holding their own. Out of no where a stray spell hit Severus and knocked him to the ground. Hermione didn’t blink but kept on fighting.

“Severus! You all right?” Poppy demanded.

“Yeah. Hermione!” Severus cried as he looked at her.

Lucius had sent the killing curse straight at Hermione. Before the curse could hit Draco and Severus pushed her to the ground. Once the dust from the spell’s impact cleared Draco and Severus both yelled the Killing Curse. Lucius never got the chance to scream before he fell to the ground.

The final battle lasted nearly four hours. The D.A., aurors and the Order had managed to give Harry his shot. With a yell, Harry yelled the Killing Curse. Voldemort screamed as his body began to melt. Albus quickly cast a curse that would capture Voldemort’s soul and destroy it. It was over. They had won their freedom back.

“Hermione, we had better get to the hospital wing. The worst is about to happen.” Poppy said.

Hermione quickly kissed Severus and rushed after the medi-witch. Within minutes they were swamped with injured and dying patients. Molly Weasley, Minerva McGonagall and Professor Varia Sinstra even helped out where they could.

Hermione rushed around trying to help those who could be helped. Luckily there weren’t too many serious injuries. Just a bunch of minor ones. It was hectic because of how many people there were. The Death Eaters that were injured were sent to the hospital ward of Azkaban.

“Help! Some one help!” Remus cried as he burst into the ward.

“Remus? What is it?” Hermione asked as she rushed to him.

“It’s Kingsley. He’s hurt and I don’t want to chance moving him.” Remus answered.

“Okay. Go get Severus and tell him to bring his field kit. I’ll go and do what I can.” Hermione ordered.

Hermione grabbed her field kit and rushed outside. She quickly found Kingsley Shacklebolt. She knelt beside him, ripped open his robes and began accessing the damage.

“Miss…Granger?” Kingsley whispered.

“Sshh. It’s okay Kingsley. You’ll be okay. I need you to relax.” Hermione said gently as she ran a diagnostic spell over him.

A few seconds later Severus was at her side opening his kit.

“What do you need?” he asked.

“A swelling reduction potion, blood replenishing potion and a relaxing potion.” she answered as she began going through her own kit.

Within minutes Kingsley was relaxed and somewhat conscious. Hermione worked as quick as she could Severus was talking quietly with Kingsley while supporting the auror’s head in his lap. After half an hour, Hermione knew he was beyond saving. She sighed sadly and looked at Severus.

“I’m dying aren’t I?” Kingsley asked in a whisper.

“I’m…I’m sorry. I…tried.” Hermione answered sadly.

“Don’t…be. It’s…my…time. Just…promise…me…something.” he pleaded.

“Anything old friend.” Severus whispered.

“Tell…Tonks…that…I…*cough*…love…her. And…*cough*…that I Always…will.” Kingsley gasped.

“We will.” Hermione said tearfully.

Kingsley smiled weakly, took a deep breath then went limp. Severus closed his eyes and bowed his head. Hermione began crying softly as she leaned over and held him close. Remus arrived a few minutes later.

“He’s gone.” Remus whispered.

“Yes. I did everything I could. He was beyond anyone’s help. He…he asked us to tell… Tonks that he loved her and always would. Where can I find her?” Hermione said.

“Hospital wing. She’s sitting with Sirius.” Remus answered as he knelt next to his friend.

Hermione got to her feet and headed back inside. She spotted Tonks sitting with Sirius who had his arm in a sling.

“Umm. Tonks, could I speak to you?” Hermione asked.

Tonks nodded and followed Hermione outside. When they were out in the hall Hermione and Tonks sat on the bench.

“Hermione, what is it?” Tonks asked.

“It’s Kingsley. Remus came in and said he was hurt. I rushed to him. Severus came and helped me. We did everything we could. Unfortunately he was injured beyond help. He’s…he’s dead.” Hermione answered.

“No. No. He can’t be.” Tonks said as she began to cry.

Hermione quickly gathered the older witch into her arms. Hermione rocked Tonks as the witch sobbed into her shoulder.

“Before he died he asked me to tell you that he loves you and always will. Tonks, those we love will always be with us. You and he will be reunited again. I made sure when he passed on he felt no pain.” Hermione said brokenly.

“Thank you. Can…can I see him? To say good-bye?” Tonks asked.

“Are you sure?” Hermione questioned.

“Yes.” Tonks asked.

Hermione nodded. She knew that Severus and Remus had time to find Albus and move Kingsley’s body to the chapel. Hermione lead a still crying Tonks to the chapel. There, on the alter dressed in silver and gold robes lay Kingsley Shacklebolt. Tonks approached slowly.

“Nymphoria, I am so sorry. Kingsley was a brave man and died fighting. Just as he would have wanted it.” Albus said as he hugged the young woman.

Tonks returned the hug then approached his body. She leaned over, kissed his lips, then threw her arms around his chest and began to sob. Hermione stood next to Severus with tear falling from her own eyes. Remus walked over and cast a sleeping spell over her. He carried her to one of the guest rooms.

“Hermione, go and get some rest. Poppy and the others have the hospital wing under control. All the serious injuries are taken care of and all that’s left is minor wounds. You need to get some rest my dear. You too Severus.” Albus said.

Hermione and Severus nodded. Together they left the chapel. They were halfway to Hermione’s room when Ron stepped out in front of them.

“How could you?” he demanded.

“Ron, I’m tired and have no time for your games.” Hermione replied.

“You should have been with us! If so Kingsley would still be alive! It’s your fault!” Ron screamed.

In a flash, his hand flew out and slapped Hermione with such force she was knocked to the ground. In a flurry of black robes Ron was pinned to the wall with two wands under his chin.

“How dare you!” Harry yelled.

“What the hell is wrong with you?!” Draco screamed.

Severus was helping Hermione sit up.

“You okay Hermione?” Harry asked.

“Y…yeah.” she answered shakily.

“Severus get her out of here. We’ll take care of Ron.” Draco ordered.

Severus gathered her into his arms and left. Harry and Draco stared daggers and Ron who stared right back.

“What were you thinking?” Harry demanded.

“She deserved it! She let Shacklebolt die! All because she betrayed us!” Ron yelled.

“No she didn’t! She did the best she could. Now, you will leave and leave quietly or we will be forced to take action Ron.” Draco said angrily.

Ron simply stared at them, brushed past them and exited the castle. Harry and Draco turned and hurried to Hermione’s chambers. They knocked. A few seconds later Severus opened the door.

“How is she?” Harry asked.

“She’s fine. She’s soaking in the tub. I’ll tell her you stopped by.” Severus answered.

“Yes sir. And please tell her that I’m sorry for all the things I said. If she is feeling up to I would like to talk to her sometime tomorrow.” Harry said.

“I’ll tell her.” Severus said.

Draco and Harry nodded then left. Severus closed, locked and warded the door. He re-entered the bathroom, stripped off his clothes and joined Hermione. He held Hermione as she began to sob. He quickly washed both their bodies and hair, used a drying spell, carried her to bed, climbed in beside her, extinguished all lights but the fireplace and held her.

“What do I do? Why does he hate me?” she sobbed.

“Sshh. Don’t worry about that. Potter and Draco came by. Potter says he’s sorry and if you feel up to it he wants to meet with you tomorrow.” Severus whispered.

Hermione nodded. Within minutes her exhaustion took over and she fell asleep. Severus quickly followed, holding her tightly to him.

T.B.C