Time Heals All Wounds

A/N:



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Letter outline is: …………………………………………



Recap: “You asked to see me Sir?” asked Hermione.



“Yes.” He held out a large roll of parchment. “Harry, and your friends, they wrote you back.”



Chapter six: Dear Hermione



Hermione’s eyes went wide with anticipation. “They did?”



“About damn time too.” Severus said, and then explained as the two looked at him in slight confusion. “It has been almost a month late. Hermione sent hers at the beginning of the month. If it crosses time then shouldn’t it get here instantly?



Hermione thought about it as the Headmaster began to explain. “You see my boy; the flow of time is very mysterious. Judging from the lateness, they probably waited only a few days before sending the letter. Therefore the flow of time is around four month’s difference. Thus, we are receiving it now.”



Severus thought and decided that the headmaster was right. They talked for a bit longer before Hermione and Severus left the office and went to the library to read, and discuss Hermione’s letter.



They found the library almost completely empty, as there were very little students at the school. They weren’t due back for two weeks. Hermione decided she wanted to sit on a beanbag chair, so Severus and she conjured up two. She had a Slytherin green one, and Severus, a basic black. They settled into the fluffy bags, and Hermione broke the seal on her letter.



She pulled out the first of three, this one was from Ginny. “Here goes…” she said with a breath.



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Hermione!



Oh my god! I miss you so much! I can’t believe it has been only two weeks since you disappeared! It seems like forever! Hehe! Harry and Ron are both almost failing potions. The stupid gits. Professor Snape, by the way, looks horrible. (Although still sexy) He looks like he hasn’t slept in two weeks, since you left.



Speaking of the Professor, oh, and just between us girls…how far have you gone? With Professor Snape I mean. Is he just as greasy as he is here? Oh my goodness is he gorgeous? I mean, he is sooo hot as he is, like, right now! But he has got to be even more so, because where you are, he is younger right? I know in your letter you said you and he were friends, but…what kind of friends? Like, the kind you and Harry and Ron are, or (I am totally grinning like a madwoman as I write this) are you…Lovers? Oh Hermione you just have to tell me all! Ok? And I will keep you updated on what happens here, boy-wise, if you keep me updated there, you know, he he, Snape-wise.



Ron still doesn’t have a girlfriend, of course, he is still hung up on you! He won’t admit it at all, but Harry and I know different. Oh and speaking of Harry and me, we are doing fabulously, another date soon. It’s a biggie. It is our sixth month anniversary! Squeal! Ha ha. I, like, actually squealed when I wrote that, and Harry and Ron both looked at me funny. Bastards. But I got to stop writing now ‘cause Harry wants to send theirs, but need mine first.



I love you lots Hermione, and remember, details.



Ginny



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Hermione began to laugh, it seemed that Ginny was still as spirited as she had been before, and wow, just as nosy. She set it aside, and picked up Ron’s letter. She began to read.



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Hermione!



We got your letter. I mean, I guess you know already, seeing as we sent this. By the way, what day is it there, and what month? Because we have been in school for two weeks, but you said it was four months in the other letter you sent. I am failing my potions already, but that stupid git is looking like he is going through hell, so it makes it worthwhile.



And what is it about you and Snape over there? Are you friends or what? And how come you picked him as a friend when Harry’s mum and dad are there? I don’t like it. I mean seriously Hermione, how low can you sink? If it was me, I would have made friends in Gryffindor, not Slytherin.



Lavender Brown has attached herself to me lately; I haven’t said anything to Harry or Ginny. Because I really don’t like her, but I guess it is ok. I mean, I haven’t had a girlfriend lately, and she seems like a nice girl. What do you think Hermione? If you don’t think I should go out with her, then say so and I won’t. I am thinking of you too Hermione, and if you don’t like it then I won’t go out with her. Anyway, I have to wrap this up, because Harry is hovering over my shoulder, I think he wants to send them now. Ginny has finished hers already.



Well, talk to you later,



Ron



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Hermione stared at the letter. How dare Ron! He has no right to say anything against who Hermione wanted to befriend! Well, date in this matter. And besides, he is dating that tramp Lavender! Well, she was going to be the better person and tell him to go ahead. That she didn’t care who or what Ron dated.



Hermione glanced at Severus. He was reading the letter and scowling. He had obviously gotten to where Ron had called him a git.



Severus looked at Hermione, “Why does he hate me again?”



Hermione told him all the crap that Professor Snape put Harry and Ron through. By the end of it, Severus was hysterical. “Yes!” he gasped out. “This is amazing! I can’t wait!”



Hermione laughed as Severus, and turned to her next letter.





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Hello Hermione,



I don’t really know what to say, other than the obvious. Like how are you, and how have you been doing in school. Which is kind of superficial, considering the situation? But it is kind of ok, because I know that you will be making the best of it, despite the circumstances that took you there. Also because you probably made yourself study twice as hard to catch up to the other students and now have the highest grades in the school. Ha-ha. We both know it to be true.



As for me, I am trying, but I just don’t understand some of the easiest things. I am forgetful. Well more than usual. Not as much as Neville. That would be a problem. But, I have had a hard time; you aren’t here to take my mind off of the whole war thing, and what I am going to have to do. We were going to go and look for the horcuxes, you, Ron, and me. But after you disappeared, I just don’t know if I can do it. You always the brightest, and always had the answer. I don’t know half of the stuff you do. I don’t know Hermione; I really don’t think we can defeat Voldemort without you. I wish you could find someway to help. But I know that you are there, and have more things to worry about.



On a different note, I’ve landed myself in detention again with Professor Snape of course. I am rather nervous, partly because he yelled at the whole class last time, just because Dean coughed. He has changed in the time you have been missing Hermione, and I have never seen anyone like that before. Actually he reminded me of Uncle Vernon. His face went from pasty white to as red as a blood berry. It was scary Hermione, you should have been there.



Oh and before I wrap this up, I wanted to ask, what are my parents like? I know you said that my dad was annoying, but you and Snape hang around my mum right? What is she like? I eagerly await your letter. Oh and Hermione, there are four letters, not just ours. I thought you would like to know.



Lots of love,



Harry.





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“Four letters” Hermione said to herself. She picked up the bundle of paper, and shook it. One more page fell out of the stack. Picking it up curiously, she read the front. ‘To our dearest Hermione.’ She read softly to herself. With trembling hands she opened the paper.





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Our darling daughter,



We got a letter by owl, from the Headmaster of your school. When we received it, our first thought was that something had happened to you. But when we opened it, our minds were set at ease.



Why didn’t you tell us that you and your friends were chosen out of the entire school, to spend the year in a neighboring wizarding community, where all communications with ‘muggles’ was strictly forbidden. If you had, we would have sent you some things before your trip. When do you think they will allow you a vacation? Because we will be more than happy, to drive out to pick you up or at least see you. We could go to dinner at a nice restaurant, and then for ice-cream or something of the like, sugar free of course.



Oh and I thought you would like to know, that your father is scheduled for surgery in a few weeks. He has to have his knees replaced. You know how hard it is for him. We will keep you updated on your father’s condition. Oh and don’t worry about the ‘no communications with ‘muggles’’ thing. Your Headmaster said he will ‘befuddle’ our letters to you. So no wizards can tell it is from us.



Well we have to stop writing now dear, the Headmaster needs to get back soon. We love you very much Hermione dear.



Mum and Dad.



P.s. we are so proud of you.





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Hermione reread the letter twice more before she began to cry. Severus leaned over and pulled her against him. He held her as she sobbed. “Mum! Dad!” she cried into his robes.



How could she not have realized! She had been sent to a place, where her parents couldn’t reach her. She couldn’t go home to see them for Christmas. She cried at the fact that they thought she was still there, but at the same time, she was glad they didn’t know. It would break their hearts. To think that their only daughter didn’t exist in that time anymore. They wouldn’t know what to think.



“It’s ok Hermione.” Severus consoled. “You can write them back and Dumbledore will give the letters to them. You can keep in touch.” He held her for several long seconds, while she collected herself. Wiping her tears away, she stood and pulled Severus up with her.



“Come with me.” She said as they left the library. Hermione led them to her rooms. They entered after Hermione muttered the password. “Butterfly Bonanza”



“Oh shut up…” she muttered as Severus snorted. “I got the idea from Molly Weasleys dress last Hogsmead trip.”



Hermione led him to her room. She opened a small safe. She placed the letters from her parents, and friends inside of it. Closing it, and then locking it. “This is where I keep the letters.” She said. “I can look and read them when I miss them.”



The grandwizard clock against the wall gonged loudly. A nasally voice scratched, “Midnight. All to bed now.” The sound stopped.



Severus glanced at Hermione. “I guess it is time for me to go. I will see you tomorrow-”



Severus was cut off by Hermione wrapping her arms around him. “Please stay, Severus. I need you.” At the look he gave her, she quickly stated, “Not in that way, just, please stay with me tonight?”



The puppy eyes she was giving him was what did him in. He nodded silently and they climbed into bed. He lay on his back with his arm out. Hermione snuggled up to him, and laid her head on his chest, near the crook of his neck and shoulder. Severus wrapped his arm around her and held her to him.



“Good night Severus, I love you.” Hermione whispered sleepily.



Severus kissed her forehead. “Good night, my love. My Hermione.”



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A/N: Thank you for reading. Please review.