Potions and Killing Curses *COMPLETE*

Potions and Killing Curses

Chapter 5

“Ugh. Ohhhh.” Severus moaned as he slowly began to awaken.

“Welcome back Master Severus,” Celest said with a smile.

“Celest? Where’s…ow…Hermione?” he asked as he slowly sat up, wincing as he did so.

“Miss is taking a shower. She has been very worrieds abouts yous,” Celest answered.

“At least she is all right,” he sighed.

At that moment, Hermione entered the bedroom. Once she saw Severus sitting up in bed, she rushed to his bedside. She gently wrapped her arms around him and held him close.

“Oh, Severus. When I saw you last night, I was so afraid. I’m just glad that you’re alive and here in my arms,” Hermione whispered tearfully.

“Sshh. I’ll be fine love,” Severus said soothingly.

Celest quietly left the room to get some food for Severus and Hermione. Back in the bedroom, Severus was laying on his stomach, while Hermione was carefully changing the bandages that covered his back.

“I would love nothing more than to rip all of their fucking hearts out and shove them down their throats,” she growled as she gingerly applied the salve and fresh bandages to his scared back.

“Don’t worry, love. You’ll your chance,” he chuckled, wincing as he did.

Once Hermione finished, Celest returned with food for them both. Hermione helped Severus sit up while Celest set up the dinner tray.

“At least I’m eating real food. Had I gone to Hogwarts, Poppy would have fed me something that I wouldn’t have given my worst enemy,” Severus said as he cut into the steak on his plate.

Hermione and Celest laughed. Celest nodded to them both then popped out. Hermione pulled up a chair and began eating as well. The couple ate their meal in a comfortable silence. Once finished, Hermione placed their trays on the magic table that would send them back down to the kitchens.

“Come lay with me Hermione,” Severus said quietly.

Hermione gladly climbed into the King-size bed beside him. Severus wrapped his arms tightly around her and let out a relieved sigh.

“You feel so good in my arms, Hermione,” he sighed.

“It feels good being in your arms,” she replied.

She snuggled deeper into his embrace. He rested his head a top of hers. She felt his heart beating beneath her cheek. She felt as if she belonged there, laying in his arms.

“Severus, there’s something I want to tell you,” she said.

“What is it?” he asked.

“I realized yesterday, before you came home early, that I was in love with you. I only told you I needed time because I was scared. Scared that if I admitted it right away, something would happen. I guess I was right,” she answered.

“Love, this was not your fault. Albus and I felt that it was only a matter of time before something like this happened,” Severus said.

“Well, where do we go from here?” Hermione asked.

“I don’t know,” Severus answered.

Knock. Knock.

“Come in,” Severus called out.

A second later, Albus walked in. When he saw the couple, he smiled gently at them. He sat down in the chair, popped a lemon drop into his mouth, then began speaking.

“How are you feeling my boy?” Albus asked.

“I’m feeling much better now sir,” Severus answered as he pulled Hermione a little closer.

“Sometimes, love is the best medicine for any ailment. Now, there’s something I need to discuss with you,” Albus said.

“I’ll leave you two alone, so you can talk,” Hermione replied as she started to get out of the bed.

“No. Whatever you have to say, Albus, you can say in front of Hermione,” Severus stated as he pulled her back against him.

“I imagined you would say that. You two remind me a lot of myself and Minerva,” he said with a soft smile. “Now, I feel it best that you not return to Hogwarts, Severus. Before you begin objecting, hear me out. Hogwarts isn’t impenetrable. If Voldemort wants to get to you, he can. I think it better that you remain here with Hermione.

“After all, next month you two will be starting to get the potion ingredients. Hermione will need your help. Don’t take this the wrong way, my dear, but your potion will need the touch of a Potion’s Master. Also, Snape Manor is probably the safest place for you at the moment. I mean the only people who know it’s location are myself, you, and Hermione,” Albus explained.

“Albus is right, Severus. I will need your help. Plus, here at least I know your safe. If you returned to Hogwarts, I would follow just to make sure nothing happens to you,” Hermione added as she faced Severus.

“Then I will remain here for you, Hermione. I couldn’t bear it if anything ever happened to you,” Severus said with a sigh as he hugged her.

“I’m relieved to hear that, son. Well, I will leave you two alone. Feel better and if either of you need anything, just floo me,” Albus said as he got to his feet.

Albus patted Severus’s shoulder and kissed Hermione’s forehead, then exited the room. Hermione and Severus just held one another and remained silent for a few moments.

“I’m going to warn you, Hermione, I’m not keen on just sitting around and doing nothing,” he said.

“I know the feeling. Although, for at least a week, you will have to do just that. Until your back is healed better,” she replied.

Severus nodded. The two laid there and within moments, both were sound asleep.

T.B.C.