Criminal Ravishment

Chapter 7

As Hermione lay a in in her bed, she was continuing to fidget her fingers, rubbing her hands together as if she had some where she needed to be, yet she felt content to remain in the infirmary. When she spoke, she sounded like she was rushing the conversation by talking fast and acting impatient, but it was the anxiety building in her. Exhausted and desperate for sleep, she looked around her room, noticing Severus sitting next to her. She wanted to talk to him, to ask him for help, but she was unable to ask for it, not knowing herself what kind of help she needed.

Watching her reminded Severus of him self when he experienced similar symptoms of his own depression after he finally left Voldemort and returned to Albus. He could only describe it as a pain that needed to be cut out of him and in his mind. The pain could literally be cut out with a knife or magic, so he was closely watched by Albus who knew enough that Severus was fighting an internal battle with himself. After several years, Severus learned how to deal with the demons, but it also caused him to completely isolate himself from the outside world. Now, laying in front him was an innocent victim that needed his help. He was terrified that he could not help her, but he also knew if she left Hogwarts, Lucius would find her.

“Hermione,” spoke Severus, “I am going to take you to the Priapusum Tower here at Hogwarts. It is an isolated tower that will allow me to help you. Do you still want me to help you?”

“Yes, please Professor. I - I need something, but I don’t know what,” she was scared as she spoke to him. Helping her out of bed, Severus put her robe over her shoulders and fastened the clasp. Taking her hand, he led her out of the infirmary, down the hall to the Priapusum Tower on the other side of the castle.

On their way there, a few staff members along with Harry and Ron greeted them. All of them gave Hermione words of encouragement. Even though she could not look at them or acknowledge them, she heard them. Only Severus, Minerva, Albus, Harry and Ron knew that she would be staying at Hogwarts. The rest of the staff assumed that she would be transferred to Saint Mungo’s Hospital.

Halfway to the tower, Lucius turned the corner, and seeing Severus with Hermione he cunningly grinned. Feeling Hermione’s hand crushing his as he held it, he placed a protective arm around her as she stared at Lucius.

“Do not look at him,” whispered Severus as Hermione forced her eyes to look at the floor. Her body began to tremble, but Severus supported her as they continued to walk down the corridor where Lucius was standing.

“Aw, what do we have here? The Potions Master and his new little whore,” sneered Lucius and she flinched at his words. “I do hope you enjoy her more than I did. She was rather disappointing.”

Hermione’s legs almost gave out as she felt herself collapsing to the floor, but Severus swept her up into his strong arms and continued walking, past Lucius toward the direction of the tower.

“It’s okay Hermione, I won’t let him hurt you, I promise,” he whispered to her as she kept her eyes closed and fist clenched. She rested her head on his chest and tried to push back the flood of emotions threatening to overtake her. Not being prepared to see Lucius, she felt her world imploding in on her as if she were in a vice of darkness that constricted her thoughts.

“Hermione,” spoke Severus quietly.

No answer.


“Hermione,” he said a little louder.


Still there was no answer. Severus dropped to one knee and whispered in her ear.

“Hermione, it is okay. Open your eyes, you are safe.” The words slowly registered with her as her mind began to respond. Opening her eyes, she found herself lying in a bed, not her bed, but a bed that brought a small sense of comfort. Looking closer, she noticed the flowered pattern on the comforter was the same as the one she had in hom home before her parents were killed. She rested her cheek against the little pink rose bud pattern as her hand traced the pattern, feeling a comfort that she had been long lost.

After a few minutes, Severus spoke, “Hermione, this is the Priapusum Tower. We will be staying here for a while.” She turned to look at Severus who was not wearing his traditional black suit with black robes. Instead he was wearing a white dress shirt and black trousers, which made him look less stern, less intimidating and Hermione was grateful for this as she looked at him with such tired eyes.

“The first thing you need to do is sleep, and the only way it is going to happen is with the help of a potion,” he said as he handed her a vial containing a sleeping draught.

Normally, Hermione would have questioned the ethics of a potions induced sleep, but she was far too exhausted to do anything except take it. As she drank it, the effects immediately took over and Severus had to help her hold the vial to her lips as she was already falling asleep. Pulling back the comforter and sheets, he placed her under the covers and tucker ier in. He then retired to his own bed that was in the same room, knowing that he would need to watch her at all times to keep her safe. He placed several wards on all of the doors and went to sleep.


~*~*~*~*~*~
The next morning, Severus had showered and dressed when she finally woke up.

“How did you sleep, Hermione?” he asked, only to have her nod her head indicating that she slept well.

“Are you hungry? I have hot tea and fresh fruit,” he spoke, but she shook her head no.

“Hermione, you need to get back into a regular routine which includes showerevereveryday and eating three healthy meals in addition to a lot of physical activity,” his voice was silky, but not harsh. She ignored him as she rolled over, facing away from him.

“Hermione,” he spoke in his best Professor Snape voice, “you will get out of that bed, take a shower, get dressed and eat breakfast.” Hermione did not care nor did she move. She onanteanted to lie there and die, as the pain inside of her grew bigger.

Severus was hoping that it did not come down to this, but he knew he was going to do what ever it took to get her back to the Little-Know-It-All that he had come to respect. Walking over to her, he pulled back the covers and lifted her out of bed, carrying her to the bathroom. With a wave of his wand, the clawed iron bathtub filled up with warm, soapy water. Another wave, Hermione’s clothes fell off of her body and he placed her in the tub with no resistance from her. Sitting with the water level that came just below her shoulders, the bubbles surrounded her as she sat rigid, dazing off into space.

Severus rolled up his sleeves and then brought over a small wooden stool and sat down on it as he took a sponge, dipped it in the warm soapy water and wrung it out so the water poured onto her shoulders. He did this repeatedly until her body relaxed and hair was completely wet. Reaching for the bar of soap, he began to lather his hands and then started washing her hair.

“What are you doing?” she asked in a timid voice.

“I am washing your hair,” he replied, pleased that she was talking.

“Why are you using a bar of soap?”

“Because soap is a catalyst that combines oil and water together so your hair will be left clean when rinsed,” he said in a silky voice. Hermione did not say anything while he massaged the soap into her hair rinsrinsed it with clean water.

“I meant that why are you using a bar of soap instead of shampoo?”

“Well,” he began, “I am not familiar with the hygienic needs of the female. I have always used a bar of soap for my hair and it works just fine for me.”

“A bar of soap dries out your hair, causing your scalp to produce more oil to compensate for the loss of oil. You should really use shampoo instead of a bar of soap.”

“Well then, since you care so much, I am going to retrieve a bottl sha shampoo and you can rewash your hair, okay?” his voice had a gentle hint of sarcasm.

“Okay,” she said, looking at him. Severus went to get a bottle of shampoo out of her pnal nal items that the house elves had brought from her Head Girl’s room the day before. He also found conditioner among other hair products. Not knowing what they were all for, he brought them all.

“Hold out your hand and I will squeeze some shampoo into it.” She did so and slowly she began to wash hwn hwn her hair as Severus remained by her side. When she was finished, she applied the conditioner, letting it set in her hair while she washed the rest of her body, with Severus not staring at her, but only sitting next to her. He was pleased with her taking interest in bathing. When she was finished, he held up a big bath towel for her as she stepped out of the tub and he wrapped it around her.

“I will leave you to dry off while I reheat the tea and then we will eat breakfast,” he said and she nodded. She dried off with the towel and put on the fresh set of clothes Severus laid out for her.

When she emerged from the bathroom, she was wearing a pair of loose fitting jeans and a simple white t-shirt. She had on a pai old old tennis shoes. Walking over to the breakfast table, Severus pulled a chair out for her and she sat down. Severus had already served himself some fruit and tea and was eating as Hermione just sat there, looking at the food.

“Hermione, you need to eat.”

“I am not hungry,” she said.

“Well then, I guess we will have to do something about that. I suggest you tie your hair back, because it may get in the way,” he said as he resumed eating his breakfast. She did as he suggested, not questioning his motives. A part of her was still so conditioned from Lucius that it would not allow her to question any requests that were made of her.

After Severus finished eating, he stood up, “Follow me,” he requested and she followed him out to the terrace where she was shocked to realize it opened up to a very large garden that was immaculately kept with the most exquisite flowers. Hogwart’s architecture seemed clearly mapped out from the outside of the castle, but inside it was as mysterious as Albus Dumbledore himself. He continuelkinlking, leading her to a section twenty feet by thirty feet, of dirt that was uncultivated.

“Hermione, we are going to plant our own flower garden out here, but first, we must prepare the soil.” Lying next to the dirt in a wooden box were some tools, a trowel, a garden fork, a spade, and a weeder. “You will need to loosen up the dirt and add the potting soil and manure to it,” he pointed to two piles that were sitting about twenty feet away with a small wheelbarrow next to it. “When the dirt is ready, we will plant the fls.” s.”

She looked puzzled, but she did nare are question him. Severus knew that best way to clear one’s mind was physical activity. This is why he was constantly roaming the halls, trying to get rid of his daily stress. The garden would also help her take her mind off of Lucius while concentrating on her new project.

“Come on,” he took her hand and knelt down and together, they began to cultivate the dirt which was rock hard. It took all morning before they finally loosened all of the dirt, making it soft enough for the seeds. They were both sweating from the morning sun, even though it was wintertime. The garden had been enchanted to depict summer weather.

Hermione worked hard, concentrating on what she was doing. Severus brought out bottles of water for the both of them, requiring her to drink so that she would not dehydrate. By the time lunchtime came around, Hermione’s hands ached and her back was stiff.









Severus led her to the bathroom and helped her clean up. She still was not interestedmainmaintaining her physical appearance, so he needed to assist her in this. After washing her hands, Hermione and Severus came back out to the terrace to discover dinner on the table. There were two plates containing grilled salmon and steamed asparagus, along with fresh fruit and hot tea. Severus pulled out her chair and seated her before seating himself.

Placing her hands on her lap, she looked at the food, but did not want to eat it.

“Hermione,” began Severus in his stern, silky voice, “I brought you here to the Priapusum tower so that you canim yim your life back. This is only going to happen if you allow both your mind and your body to be cleansed. You will be given only natural foods that will enhance your thoughts, allowing you to comprehend clearly, but it will only work if you eat.”

Slowly, Hermione reached for her fork and took a small piece of the salmon. As she placed it in her mouth, she realized how hungry she was. She continued to eat slowly as Severus ate his meal. A voice inside of her head kept reminding her that she wanted to get better and that it was okay to trust Professor Snape.

After eating most of her food and drinking her tea, Severus suggested that they move over to the living room where two leather chairs were placed in front of the fireplace. Severus was pleased that Hermione walked to the chairs without his assistance.

They both sat down facing each other and Severus spoke, “Hermione, over the past four months, you have been subjected to both physical and emotional abuse. You have learned to suppress your thoughts and hide your true feelings.” She looked at Severus as he spoke, listening to his words, but not reacting.

“I can help you, but you need to trust me. I know that I have never given you reason to trust me and I know that all I have ever done is use harsh words with you, but believe me, Albus would never have allowed me to help you if he did not trust me. I know you trust the Headmaster. Will you trust me too?”

Looking into his black eyes, Hermione felt a comfort that she had not felt for a very long time. The inner voice that she had ignored while Lucius was pursuing her was telling, no demanding, her to trust Professor Snape.

Nodding her head in agreement, he continued, “Good. The most important rule that you must follow is to say everything that you are thinking, everything. I will not judge you or condemn you on your thoughts or words that you tell me. I am only here to listen, and sometimes it will be very difficult to tell me your thoughts out loud, but you must do it to help you heal.”

They sat in silence for a while before Hermione finally spoke, “I’m scared.”

“Why?” he asked with sincerity.

“I am afraid that nobody will ever love me the way Lucius did,” her voice was fragile as she said these words, waiting for Severus to lash out at her, but he did nothing except listen.

As much as Severus wanted to argue with her, he only asked calmly, “How did Lucius love you?” As she looked at her hands, she began to fidget with her fingers, not wanting to answer, but her inner voice forced her to.

“He saw me as beautiful and intelligent. He knew that no other man would evend mnd me beautiful, but he did. When he asked a question in class, he always let me answer it and never made fun of me like - ” her words trailed off.

“Say it, Hermione.”

“ - Like you do Professor Snape.” She found some courage and looked at Severus.

“I am a bastard in class,” he said without emotion. They were both silent again.

“What are you thinking ?”

Closing her eyes, she answered, “I miss him.”

“That is only to be expected. Lucius was a significant part of your life for four months.” She looked at him, clearly not expecting this answer, but relieved to hear his words.

“Do you miss everything about him?” he asked.

“No,” she whispered, closing her eyes again.

“Tell me what you do not miss about him.”

“His hitting me and making me - ” her voice trailed off and Severus sat in silence, waiting for her to continue.

“He made me do things,” she closed her eyes and tears formed as she thought about the many times he had raped her.

“He made me - ” she tried again, but she became restless in her chair as she stood up and sat back down again. “I HATE YOU FOR MAKING ME DO THIS!” she yelled at Severus and took off running outside in the garden. Severus stood up and followed her, letting her go but also keeping a close eye on her.

Hermione came to the edge of the garden terrace and looked at the grounds of Hogwarts. Behind her, in the garden, were thousands of flowers in full bloom, but in front of her, the grounds were covered in a thick blanket of snow. It took her breath away when she realized the two worlds she was living in. It paralleled her own life too closely and she began to cry. She collapsed to the ground, and a pair of strong arms caught her and held her. Without looking, she knew it was Severus and she leaned into him, feeling the comfort and security he offered.

Severus sat down on the ground as he held her, comforting her, wanting to take away all of her pain. ‘Gods help me,’ he thought, ‘I have never had the desire to hold anyone in my life and now I can’t let go.’ As her cries softened, she whispered, “Why did he do this to me?”

“It was all a part of Lucius’ games. He is always trying to prove he is in control by having the last word. In your case, I believe that he was trying to get revenge on you because of your contribution to the charms that weakened Voldemort. Additionally, he knew that by destroying you, it would destroy Hogwarts.”

“I still love him,” she whispered.

“I know,” he said as he continued to hold her, wiping her tears.

After a while, Severus spoke, “Hermione, I think that you have had enough for today. Lets go choose the flowers to put in your flower garden.”

“Okay,” she said as they both got to their feet. “Professor Snape, why are you having me plant a flower garden?”

“Besides the physical activity that will help your mind and body, I believe that watching the flowers grow everyday will help you see that life can continue on,” he said as he held her hand, walking back to the tower.

Hermione sat down in the chair and Severus handed her a book on flowers. “Any flower you choose will grow in your garden because the climate is charmed for each seed or bulb,” he said.

“Doesn’t that contradict your metaphor of having me watch life continuing on?” she asked.

“It is the middle of winter and we live in a magical world, besides it was the Headmaster’s idea. I told him you were too smart to fall for it,” Severus scowled, but she gave him a slight smile as she recognized the hidden compliment. She also for the first time in a long time, felt somewhat normal as she had this conversation with Professor Snape.


~*~*~*~*~*~

The next day, Hermione woke up and Severus suggested that she take a shower before breakfast, which she did without his assistance. When she emerged from the bathroom fully dressed, she walked to the table to eat breakfast.

“Good morning,” said Severus, who had already showered and was eating breakfast.

“Good morning Professor Snape,” she said as she stared at him. Something was different about him, but she did not quite know what it was. As she sat down and served herself some fruit and a bagel, her mind wandered to another question she had.

“Professor, can I ask you a question?”

“Hermione, you can ask me anything, but it does not mean I will be able to answer it.”

“Why is my comforter the same as the one I had in my parents’ house?”

“Do you like it?”

“It makes me feel safe,” she said. “I feel like my mom and dad are close by - ” Her heart ached from missing them.

“Your parents were killed during the war and it did not give you a chance to grieve properly for them. I think that you were trying to fill a void when Lucius came along, making it easier for him to control you the way he did,” said Severus.

“I miss them,” Her voice was sad.

“Tell me about your parents.”

“They are, were, so loving, always supporting me in everything I did,” Hermione’s tears ran down her face as she spoke. “My mum and I would stay up late on the weekends and talk for hours about the latest dental technique. She would braid my hair and remind me how envious she was of my hair and my intelligences and being a witch. My dad would read my wizarding books and quiz me every chance he got, trying to catch me off guard. In return, I would quiz him on his latest dental magazines. We had the greatest time. I know our life sounds weird, but… Oh gods, I miss them,” she said as she began to cry harder.

Severus moved his chair so he was sitting next to her and she instinctively leaned into his embrace as he held her. Having always withdrawn from physical comfort, Severus did not know what allowed him to be so open in his willingness to comfort her. He held her tighter, wondering if it was instinct or the human need for nurturing. Severus chose not to question it, but to just let it happen, and he continued to hold her as he had no doubt that he had to enjoy it while he could. He knew that once her recovery was over, she would be out of his life for good.

After she calmed down, they finished breakfast and then ventured to the garden. Severus had all of the bulbs, seeds, and startfor for her garden [as] and they began to plant each one. Working side by side, they began to anticipate each other’s thoughts and actions. When one needed the trowel, the other retrieved it without being asked. It was a comfort that neither one had ever experienced, but nevertheless enjoyed, even though they did not talk about it. In a way, it was their way of bonding.

Hermione and Severus ate lunch and went to sit in front of the fireplace again.

“Hermione, tell me what you are thinking,” said Severus.

“I was just wondering where Lucius is and what he is doing,” said Hermione in a small voice.

“I cannot answer that, but I can tell you that he is not at Hogwarts.” This got her full attention.

“Where is he?” she asked.

“I received a letter from Albus ainiaining that he has been removed from Hogwarts due to the evidence in your pensieve. He is not in custody, but he is forbidden from setting foot at Hogwarts,” said Severus, trying to keep his voice neutral.

“He is going to be so mad at me,” said Hermione, “I know he is going to punish me for this.” She began to fidget with her fingers and hands as she spoke, almost murmuring.

“He will not hurt you, I promise. He will never touch you again,” said Severus in a firm voice, snapping Hermione out of her thoughts and compelling her to look at him. “He will not hurt you,” Severus repeated more firmly and she believed him.

She looked back down at her hands again and winced at a thought she had.

“Talk to me,” his voice was gentle again.

“He used to punish me by… by… ” she whispered, “raping me.” She shut her eyes tight as the shame overcame her. Severus clenched his fists, forcing himself to calm down.

“I’m sorry Hermione,” he whispered, knowing that he too had caused such pain when he was an active Death Eater. “I am so sorry,” he whispered again.

“I should have stopped him, but I knew if I did, he would hurt me worse,” her voice returned. “I just let him rape me and I did not even try to stop him.” She was now getting angry. “What the hell was wrong with me? Why would I let him do that? Why?” she demanded, “Tell me!”

“You did not let him do anything,” said Severus.

“How can you say that? I protected him! He threw me down the stairs and I protected him! He raped me over and over and I protected him!” she yelled.

“Hermione,” growled Severus, “You did not let him doing anything. Lucius made you believe that he was the only one who would ever love you! It was not your fault!”

“Oh and who is going to love me now?” she hissed, “I am what he called me, a Mudblood whore! I let him have hay way with me and I told myself that I had better enjoy it because nobody else would ever want me!”

Severus decided to sit in silence as Hermione expressed her feelings. “Look at me! Lucius told me that he was the only one who would ever think I am beautiful and he was right. I don’t see any other men knocking down my door and asking me out. I should be grateful for the attention he gave me!”

She sat back down again, “He lied to me. He told me that he loved me and he lied to me. My mother always said love does not hurt, but I ignored her words and I… did not want him to hurt me. He took me that night and took me to the tower as I pleaded with him, telling him that I loved him. He called me a whore, a Mudblood whore, and I still wanted him to love me. He kicked me in the face and broke my ribs, but I still wanted him. Why did I let him?” tears were starting to form in her eyes as she looked pleadingly at Severus to answer her.

“Hermione,” his voice was gentle, “Lucius knew exactly how to manipulate your thoughts and control your actions. He is very good at what he does and you were not the only one who was a part of Lucius’ game. The Ministry of Magic was also a victim of his game, allowing him to become a professor here at Hogwarts.”

Hermione slid out of the chair, collapsing onto her knees, sobbing, “He raped me; he did things to me that I did not think anyone wasableable of. Bending me over, he sodomized me.” Severus picked her up and carried her to the couch where he could hold her and comfort her as she cried. He did not stop her from crybecabecause she needed that release, but her anguish brought him to tears.

‘Gods I want to kill that fucking bastard,’ thought Severus as he held her, wanting to take her pain away.

It was well past dinner when she finally calmed down and Severus could trust his voice to speak to her.

“Hermione,” he placed a finger under her chin and lifted it so he could look into her eyes that were now puffy and red, “you are a beautiful and brilliant witch. Do you remember the time you walked into the Great Hall during the Yule ball with Viktor Krum?” She nodded.

“Every wizard looked at you, envying Viktor for being your date; even Draco was speechless, and every witch hated you because you were so beautiful.” Hermione gave him a small smile. “You are also the envy of every student here, having almost perfect marks in every subject, including potions.” She gave him another small smile as she laid her head on his chest, feeling the comfort and safety he offered as she closed her eyes and listened to his steady breathing.

Lifting her head suddenly, she stared at him with a slight smile.

“What?” he asked.

“I know what looks different about you. You are using shampoo instead of a bar of soap on your hair.” Severus scowled at her, but she smiled. “Much better,” she whispered as she laid her head back down on his chest while he continued to embrace her.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Severus continued Hermione’s therapy, as her daily progress was evident, paralleling the growth of the flowers in her garden. She responded more easily to Severus\' requests and was now eating regularly. Severus still insisted on her taking the sleeping potion at night because lack of sleep would easily trigger her anxiety or worse.

On her second week in the tower, Ron and Harry came to visit. Even though Hermione didn\'t want to see them yet, Severus told her it was time for her to get reacquainted with her friends. Upon entering the living room, she saw Harry and Ron sitting in two of the three leather chairs that were set up in a triangle so that all three of them could face each other. Hermione took her seat between the two of them, but did not make eye contact with them. Instead, her eyes followed Severus, who was standing behind Ron.

The Headmaster had told Harry and Ron everything that had occurred between Lucius and Hermione. He felt that the only way to save their friendship was for them to know everything that had happened.

“Mister Potter, Mister Weasley, I have already explained how we do things here. You need to be honest, no matter how much you think it will hurt the other person, and in return, Hermione will be honest with you,” said Severus in his Professor Snape voice and the boys nodded. “You may begin.”

Not sure where or how to start, Harry asked, “How are you, Hermione?”

“I am nervous,” she said, still not looking at them.

“Why? We are your friends,” said Ron.

“If you were really my friends, then why didn’t you trust me enough to let me be friends with Lucius? Friends trust each other,” she looked at Ron for the first time.

“Friends also take care of each other,” Ron answered, trying to stay calm.

“Hermione, Lucius Malfoy is a monster who just about destroyed your life!” said Harry firmly. Hermione’s tears began to build up in her eyes and Severus came over.

“Hermione, what are you really thinking?” Severus asked.

Her tears began to fall as she looked at the ground. “I am afraid that you think I was a fool for loving him.”

“We would never think of you as a fool. You are the most brilliant witch we know!” said Harry, while Ron nodded in agreement.

“If I am so brilliant, then how come I was so cruel to you?” she asked through tears.

“Hermione,” said Ron gently, “Lucius is also a very clever wizard who knew exactly how to trick you.”

“You were his victim and no matter what we said or did, he was going to try and destroy your life,” said Harry. She began to sob. She had believed that her friends had betrayed her, but here there,ere, supporting her fully.

“I know you both hate me for what I did, and I am sorry. I am very, very sorry,” she sobbed as she stood up. Harry and Ron stood up too and hugged their best friend.

“Hermione, we love you and nothing you can do will change that,” said Ron as he and Harry both took turns hugging her. After they finished hugging, she walked over to Severus.

“Can Harry and Ron stay for lunch?” she asked quietly just in case Severus said no.

“Hermione, this is your home too. If you want your friends to stay for lunch, then please feel free to ask them,” he said.

Hermione walked back over to Harry and Ron. “Would you like to stay for lunch?” Ron gave Snape a dirty look.

“Did you have to ask his permission for us to stay?” asked Ron defensively.

“No she didn’t Mister Weasley,” said an icy voice, “She asked if you could stay and I reminded her that this is her home and that she may invite her friends any time she chooses.\"

“Sorry,” Ron mumbled.

“Mister Weasley,” Severus spoke in his silky voice, “I am pleased that you want to look after her. She needs her friends now more than ever.” Severus left to get lunch ready.

Their visit was pleasant as the three talked about old times, including their adventures with the Polyjuice potion. Severus listened to the conversation as he sat on the couch and, as much as he wanted to comment on the three stealing from his cupboard, he refrained because Hermione needed this time with her friends without interruption.

It pleased Severus to hear her laugh, but it also broke his heart because he realized he was falling more and more deeply in love with her. He tried to convince himself that his feelings were only due to them being together, but he knew better. Soon, she would be ready to leave and he would have to let her go.

~*~*~*~*~

A/N: Thank you to MadAboutHarry and SnapesFlower for helping me out with this story!

Hugs to All,

Corazon