Love...War...What's the Difference *COMPLETE*

War…Love…What’s the Difference?

A Fight, A Dream and A Letter

Hermione sat at Gryffindor table eating quietly. News of the attack on Severus was all anyone could talk about. Most of the Slytherins looked pleased at the news, while the other houses seemed slightly frightened.

“How could you?” Ron demanded as he walked up to her.

“What are you going on about Ronald?” Hermione sighed.

“You were seen helping Snape. You even waited in the hospital wing with him!” Ron hissed.

“So what if I was. He’s our professor,” Hermione shot back as she got to her feet.

“How could you. Fraternizing with a Slytherin,” he growled.

“Grow up Ronald,” she said.

Hermione brushed past him and out of the Great Hall. She started for the hospital wing, but changed her mind and retreated to the privacy of her rooms. She entered her sitting room and dropped onto the couch.

“Why is he being such a git,” she sighed.

************************************************************************

Voldemort sat on his throne staring at the Death Eater kneeling before him. “Is it done Lucius?”

“Yes. Severus was taken to the castle. My son overheard McGonagall say Severus will be out of commission for at least a week,” Lucius answered.

“Good. Dumbledore will no longer have a way to spy on me, and Severus knows he’s now living on borrowed time,” Voldemort smiled evilly.

“What about the mudblood my Lord?” Bellatrix asked.

“For now, let us wait. Young Malfoy and the other Slytherins are watching her. When the time is right, we will take her and Severus out. They will be a message to Potter and the Order,” Voldemort stated.

************************************************************************

“Hello my dear,” the man said.

“Hmm. Oh, it’s you,” Hermione smiled as she sat up.

She and the man were sitting in her sitting room, but like before, the room was bathed in candle light and she couldn’t see his face clearly.

“You don’t have to worry about your Professor. He’ll be just fine,” the man replied.

“How did you know about that?” she asked.

“I know what you’re feeling. Plus, deep in your heart, you know he’ll be just fine,” he answered with a smile.

“You’re right. So, what’s on the agenda for tonight,” she questioned.

“I thought I could just hold you. Nothing else. You just need to be reassured,” he stated.

Like before, she knew she could trust him. They settled onto the couch and he wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. As he held her, she told him about her goals and plans for the future when she graduated and the war ended.

************************************************************************

Severus was sitting up in bed reading a book when Hermione stopped by Sunday afternoon. Poppy had moved him to a private room so the students wouldn’t bother him. His arm had been removed from the sling as well. Hermione knocked and entered the room.

“How are you feeling?” she asked as she moved closer to his bed.

“A little better. Please, have a seat,” he answered as he pointed to the chair next to the bed and put away his book.

“I’m glad you’re feeling better,” she smiled.

“So, did Albus say who would be covering my classes?” he questioned.

“Sirius is,” she said.

Severus groaned. A year earlier, the Order had captured Peter Pettigrew, and under Veritaserum, he told the truth about what happened and cleared Sirius. Even now, Severus and Sirius still couldn’t get along.

“I’m sure everything will be fine. If you want, I’ll grade the first thru third year essays,” she offered.

“That will be acceptable,” he agreed.

Half an hour later, Hermione left to go study. Once alone, Severus summoned a quill, ink, and some parchment, as well as his frock coat. He set about composing a letter.

************************************************************************

The week passed. As she promised, Hermione graded the essays. She also began work on a spell that would hopefully help the professor. On Friday night, as Hermione was working on the final details of her spell, she heard a tapping at her window. She looked up and found a raven sitting on the ledge.

“Hello there. You’re a handsome raven,” she smiled.

The raven puffed out his chest at the compliment. The bird extended his leg to her. Gently, she removed the letter and package, then stroked the bird’s head.

“There’s some muffin still on my desk. Help yourself,” she said.

The bird squawked in thanks, flew to the desk, bit off a piece, and flew out the window. She walked over to her sofa and sat down. She set the package aside, then opened the letter. She immediately recognized Severus’ handwriting.

Dear Miss Granger,

I’m sure you’re quite surprised to be receiving a letter, let alone a gift from me. First, thank you for visiting me and your kind words when I first woke up.

The gift is my way of saying thank you for your help on completing the protection potion I’ve been working on. I will be sure to have your name included when it’s patented. I understand you will be brewing your potion the same time as I will be brewing mine. Good luck.

There’s one more thing before I close this letter. The kiss we shared in June. I know it’s inappropriate to mention, but I haven’t stopped thinking about it. I hope this doesn’t interfere with us working together.

Sincerely,
S. Snape

Hermione re-read the letter in surprise and hope. Like Severus, she too had thought about the kiss. She refolded the letter and picked up the package. Slowly she began to open it. Curious as to what he could have sent her.

“Oh my gosh!” she gasped.

Inside the black box was a beautiful silver necklace. On the chain was a Celtic knot pendant. She recognized the knot as a protection knot. Carefully, she placed the necklace around her neck.

“I’ll tell him thank you in person tomorrow,” she said.

Hermione insisted on having her spell finished by Monday so she could tell Albus. To test the spell, she would need his and Arthur’s help. She only hoped that the spell was successful.

T.B.C