Love's Journeys *COMPLETE*

Love’s Journeys

Chapter 6- Dark Magic and a Painful Recovery

Severus woke from his nap to find Sirius and Remus sitting in their chairs talking quietly. “Was there any change?” Severus asked still holding Hermione in his arms.

“Sadly no.” Remus answered.

Severus gently released Hermione and got out of bed. He started to return to his chair at her bedside when Sirius stopped him.

“Snape, why don’t you grab a quick shower and I’ll send for some food for you, you haven’t eaten since yesterday morning. You won’t do Hermione any good if you don’t take care of yourself.” Sirius said teasingly.

“You’re right. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Severus said with a slight smirk as he headed for the bathroom.

Remus got up and headed out to the sitting room to order some food for the three of them. Sirius stayed at Hermione’s side. He gently took her hand in his. “Hermione, please come back. Severus needs you. You are his salvation Hermione whether you know that or not. We need you to fight and come back. Please Hermione. Come back to us. We love you.” Sirius whispered as he gently kissed her forehead.

Remus stood at the doorway watching. He knew Sirius spoke the truth. Hermione was the one person who would save Severus from his past. Help him to live again. He made his way back to the bed and took his seat beside Sirius. About five minutes later their food arrived just as Severus emerged from the bathroom fully awake. The three men ate in silence as they continued to watch over Hermione. Once the food was finished and had disappeared Sirius spoke.

“Severus, I never got the chance to thank you for saving Harry’s life back in his first year. He told me about what happened during his first Quidditch match. I just want to say thanks. And also thanks for saving him during the final battle with Voldemort.” Sirius said.

“You’re welcome. I know you and I never got along in our past, but over the past 36 hours both you and Remus have showed me loyalty by staying with me and helping me find Hermione. And for that I want to thank the two of you and start over. Forget our past and start over as friends.” Severus responded.

“I’d like that. And you’re welcome.” Remus said as he clasped his hand on Severus’s shoulder.

“Same here.” Sirius said as he mimicked Remus and placed his hand on Severus’s other shoulder.

Severus smiled weakly at his old enemies and now new friends.

“No! No! Severus help me!” Hermione screamed in her sleep.

“Sshh. Hermione I’m here my love. It’s all right I’m here.” Severus said as he gently moved her into his arms. Hermione’s eyes flew opened as she tried to sit up only to fall back into Severus’s arm crying out in pain. “Take it easy Hermione. You’ve been asleep for the past 36 hours. Just relax.” Remus said.

Hermione looked into the faces of Remus, Sirius, and Severus. Severus gently eased her back into the bed as he sat beside her. “What happened? Where’s Malfoy?” Hermione asked shakily.

“You were taken by Malfoy yesterday afternoon. Remus was able to find you with a tracing spell. Me, Albus, Remus, Sirius, and Moody went to get you but Malfoy had taken off right before we got there. I was coming back here when I found you lying in front of the door to my classroom.” Severus answered.

“As for Malfoy; we’re still looking for him. Albus has the Order searching for him. We will find him though, I swear we will.” Sirius said.

Hermione nodded but then hissed as pain shot throughout her entire body.

“What is it love?” Severus asked worriedly.

“I hurt...all…over.” she hissed out. Remus went to get the muscle relaxing potion Poppy had sent for her when she woke up.

“Drink this. It will help.” Remus said gently. Hermione tried to move her arm but the pain was too bad. Severus took the vile from Remus and pressed it to her lips. Hermione drank the potion and felt her muscles begin to relax and the pain lessened.

“Oh Severus. I was so afraid I would never see you again. I thought I was going to die.” She whispered as her body was racked with sobs.

“There, there love. You’re safe here with me and your friends. It’ll be all right. I’m not leaving you again.” Severus whispered as he held her gently to his body and let her cry into his shoulders.

“Severus, Hermione, Remus and I will go and let Albus know that Hermione is awake. You get some rest Hermione. You will need your strength in order to recover completely.” Sirius said as he patted her leg gently.

Severus nodded his thanks while Hermione smiled slightly. “Thank you both of you. Not just for staying by my side but for helping Severus.” Hermione said.

Remus and Sirius nodded then turned and exited the room leaving the two lovers alone. “Oh Hermione, I was so afraid we wouldn’t find you in time. That all I would find would be your dead body. I’ve been so worried. It’s my fault. I should never have left you. I should have stayed right here by your side.” Severus said as tears began to fall from his raven black eyes.

“Severus darling if you would have been here Malfoy could have killed you and taken me anyway. I wouldn’t have been able to go on without you in my life. I love you Severus Snape.” Hermione said as she touched her hand to his cheek.

Severus let go of Hermione, stripped down to his boxers, placed the wards on the door to only let Albus, Remus, and Sirius in, climbed under the covers and wrapped his arms around Hermione.

“I love you too Hermione Granger.” He said gently as he kissed her forehead. Hermione snuggled closer to his, hissing slightly as she moved but just rested her head against his firm chest. “Just rest Hermia. I’ll be here when you awake. You need your rest.” Severus whispered.

Hermione nodded and slowly drifted off to sleep. Severus just laid there holding his sweet Hermione in his arms thanking any gods that were listening for returning her to him alive. Two hours later found Hermione sitting up in bed eating some chicken broth when Albus knocked on the door.

“Welcome back my dear.” Albus said as he kissed her forehead.

“It’s good to be back. Where are Ron and Harry?” Hermione asked.

“They are in the Great Hall eating dinner. I told them they can see you in a few days once you are fully rested. Severus has agreed for them to come here since you don’t need to be climbing those stairs just yet.” Albus answered. Hermione nodded as she continued eating her dinner watching as Albus sat beside Severus.

“Have you found Malfoy yet?” Severus asked.

Albus sighed, “No. He has eluded us. We don’t even know where to start. We started searching the room that Draco had taken Hermione to. We’ve searched Malfoy manor, the old Death Eater headquarters. Not a thing. Whatever he’s using to help him, we can’t detect it.”

“Does…does that mean he can get to me again?” Hermione asked shaking slightly at the thought of it.

“I won’t let him near you Hermione. I’ll kill him if he comes near you.” Severus said.

“Dear, we will do everything we can to protect you. I have members of the Order on their way here now for extra security. Don’t worry they won’t be seen. They will be watching you from the shadows. Making sure you are safe. I know that Misters Potter and Weasley along with Severus, Sirius, and Remus will be watching over you as well.” Albus said gently patting Hermione’s hand.

Severus was still worried though. “Here Hermione, take this dreamless draught and get some rest.” Severus said taking the tray from her lap and handing her the vile. Hermione downed the draught and within minutes she was sound asleep. “Albus, even with this added security I’m still worried about her safety. I mean Draco could still get to her.” His fear showing through.

“I know my boy. I fear for her safety as well as yours. Draco is dealing with some extremely evil and dark magic. We must find him and soon. I fear that if he does get his hands on Hermione again all we’ll get back will be her lifeless body.” Albus said sadly.

Severus could only nod as a few tears fell from his eyes at the thought of losing Hermione at the hands of Draco Malfoy. ‘I swear I will kill that son-of-a-bitch Malfoy for what he has done to Hermione.’ Severus thought evilly. He began to feel the dark side of him come out at the thought of Draco Malfoy.

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A few days later Hermione was allowed to move from the bedroom to the sitting room in Severus’s private quarters. With her and Severus were Harry, Ron, Sirius, and Remus. The group was sitting around catching up and drinking tea.

“It’s good to see you up and around finally Hermione.” Remus said.

“Thanks. It feels good to finally be out of bed. I feel like I could do anything.” Hermione said.

“One thing at a time Hermione, you’re still not 100% yet.” Severus answered gently squeezing her hand.

Ron and Harry noticed that Severus and Hermione were acting different around each other. They were very loving and caring toward each other. Ron finally had enough of the two of them trying to act discreetly and called them on it. “Hermione, I want to ask you and Snape a question and I want an honest answer from the both of you. Are you and Snape an item?”

Severus and Hermione looked at each other and finally they nodded. “Yes.” Hermione answered weakly.

“Professor, do you care about Hermione?” Ron asked.

“What difference does it make to you?” Severus said.

“Just answer him Severus, please.” Hermione pleaded.

“No, I love her.” Severus answered looking into Hermione’s beautiful eyes.

“Mione, do you like Professor Snape?” Ron repeated the question.

“I not only like him, I love him with my entire being.” Hermione said as she held his hand tightly within hers.

“Then there’s only one thing Ron and I have to say about that.” Harry said as he looked at the couple. There was a slight pause in which Severus and Hermione looked at Ron and Harry. “We will support the two of you in your choices. No matter how weird it may be to us but, as long as you’re happy Hermione, that’s all that matters to us. And Professor Snape, take care of her.” Harry said as he extended his hand towards Severus.

Ron did likewise. Severus shook both of their hands in surprise while the two guys hugged Hermione. The group settled down to begin talking again.

“What has the Order found out about Malfoy?” Harry demanded.

“Nothing; it’s as if he has just dropped off the face of the earth.” Sirius answered frustrated.

“No, he’s simply hiding out and biding his time.” Severus said. Hermione moved closer to Severus who wrapped her arms around her shoulders.

“Don’t worry Hermione, now that I’m no longer a werewolf I can be of more help to you and the Order.” Remus said.

“What? When did you stop being a werewolf?” Harry exclaimed.

“Severus found a cure for Remus. That’s why he was in New York. He was getting some ingredients that are only found in the states. He finally finished the potion the day after I woke up. Just in time for the full moon two days ago. It was a success.” Hermione said with pride as she kissed Severus on the cheek.

Ron and Harry were astonished that Severus had found a cure for Remus. “That’s great! Congratulations for finding a cure. That must have opened so many doors for you Professor.” Ron said.

“Thanks. It really has. Since we’re all friends here you two can call me Severus.” Severus said.

Ron and Harry nodded. Before the group could say another word the door burst open revealing a severely injured Kingsley Shacklebolt. Two steps into the sitting room he collapsed to the floor. Sirius and Remus rushed to his side.

“Kingsley, what happened?” Sirius asked as he and Remus gently laid Kingsley on the couch.

“M…Malfoy…he has the wand…of…Slytherin. That’s…how he’s…been able…to slip through our…fingers.” He said before he passed out.

Remus and Sirius gently moved Kingsley from the couch to the spare bedroom Severus had so the man could rest then returned to the sitting room.

“What’s the wand of Slytherin?” Ron asked.

“Legend says that Salazar Slytherin created a wand while he was still here. The wand was forged by pure evil. Only someone with an evil heart could wield the wand. It is also said that the wand gives its user unlimited power.” Hermione said, a shiver running through her.

Severus was at her side holding her trembling body. “We have to find Malfoy. If we don’t, no matter what we do, he’ll get Hermione.”

“What do we do?” Ron asked.

“I don’t know. We have to wait till Malfoy makes the first move. Remus, you better tell Albus about this and have him put the Order on alert. Sirius, send word to the Ministry as well.” Severus instructed. Remus and Sirius agreed and hurried from the room.

“Don’t worry love, I won’t let anything happen to you.” Severus said kissing the top of her head as he felt her let out a shuttered breath. Ron and Harry nodded in agreement. “Let me go get you some tea so you can calm down.” Severus said gently as he rose to his feet and headed for his kitchen.

Severus entered the kitchen and began to make some tea. ‘Damn! I can’t let Malfoy get his hands on Hermione again. I’ll die first before he hurts her again!’ Severus fumed as he finished the tea.

“SEVERUS! SEVERUS GET IN HERE! IT’S HERMIONE!” Harry screamed from the sitting room.

Severus ran into the sitting room finding Hermione unconscious in Ron’s arms. “Hermione! Hermione, answer me. Come on love.” Severus said as he gently took her into his arms. “Ron, go get Poppy now.” Severus ordered as he lifted Hermione into his arms and headed for his bedroom. Ron ran from the room while Harry followed Severus to his bedroom. Severus placed Hermione gently onto his bed. “What happened?” Severus asked Harry.

“When you went into the kitchen she started crying. Ron and I moved to her side and tried to calm her down when she doubled over in pain then just collapsed into Ron’s arms.” Harry explained.

A second later, Poppy burst into the room with Ron a step behind. She rushed to Hermione’s side and quickly used her wand to cast a scanning spell over Hermione’s body. “Out! Everyone out! I need you three out of here now so I can work!” Poppy ordered as she shoved the three guys out of the room.

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Severus sat on the couch with his head in his hands. Ron and Harry sat on either side of Severus. “She’ll be fine. Hermione’s a fighter.” Harry replied.

“Harry’s right. Hermione will pull through.” Ron said.

At that moment Remus and Sirius returned. “Well, we’ve alerted the Order and the Ministry. What’s wrong?” Sirius asked as he saw the worried look on everyone’s faces.

“It’s Hermione. After everyone left Severus went to go make her some tea. She was crying when she suddenly doubled over in pain then collapsed into Ron’s arms.” Harry answered his godfather.

“Is she all right?” Remus asked worriedly.

“Poppy is in with her right now.” Severus answered in a broken voice.

The five men sat in different spots around the sitting room. For hours it seemed they waited for word on Hermione’s condition. Within that three hours Minerva and Albus came into the room. They were quickly filled in. Minerva immediately went to Severus. He wrapped his arms around the older woman and began to cry quietly.

“It’s my fault Minerva. I couldn’t protect her. I’ve failed her.” Severus whispered.

“Oh Severus, it’s not your fault. You are not to blame here. The only one to blame is Draco Malfoy. Hermione will be just fine. You’ll see.” Minerva said soothingly as she stroked Severus’s hair as he cried into her shoulder.

Finally Poppy emerged from the bedroom. Before anyone could speak she held up her hands to stop them. “Miss Granger has suffered a relapse from some of her internal injuries. A few of them weren’t fully healed. All this excitement caused her to stress herself out. The stress therefore caused her injuries to reopen themselves.” Poppy explained.

“Will she be all right?” Severus asked desperately.

“She’ll be fine Severus. I don’t want her out of that bed. I want her to stay there. The only time she is to be moved is if she needs to go to the restroom and for baths. Also, no and I repeat no visitors! The only people allowed to see her are Albus, Severus and Minerva who can help with the bathroom situation. No one else is allowed to see her. I want her to get rest. Is that understood? And please do not mention the situation dealing with Draco Malfoy around her. That seems to upset her even more.” Poppy ordered.

Everyone nodded. “Also, I have healed Kingsley’s injuries as well. He should be out in a minute Albus. Now, Potter, Weasley, I suggest you return to your dormitories this instant. Severus can relay any messages you have to Miss Granger once she awakens.” Poppy said.

Ron and Harry nodded. They told Severus to tell Hermione that they loved her and to get better soon then left. Severus then rose to his feet and headed for his bedroom. Once Poppy left the remaining adults waited on Kingsley to reemerge.

“Albus, I will head back to headquarters and begin working on a way to stop Draco.” Kingsley said.

“No. You need to get your rest. The Order has been informed of the situation and we have the Ministry at our disposal as well. You take a few days to rest and regain your strength my friend. You are going to need it.” Albus said in a tone that left no room for argument.

Kingsley nodded and left.

“Poor Severus, I mean first Hermione gets taken from him and now this. I feel even worse for Hermione. She’s so strong but this whole thing has got to be taking its toll on her both mentally and physically.” Sirius said.

“Well, she’s in good hands. Between me, Albus and Severus, she will be fine. Plus Albus and I will make sure that Severus takes care of himself as well. Now the two of you go and get some rest. It’s getting late and Remus you do have classes tomorrow.” Minerva replied. Remus nodded and rose to his feet. Before he left he went to Severus’s bedroom and told Severus goodnight then headed for his own rooms.

“Sirius, before you leave I have a favor to ask of you.” Albus said.

“Sure.” Sirius said.

“I need you to cover Severus’s classes for him. He will not want to leave Hermione’s side while she is recovering.” Albus said.

“Of course. I’ll take over the classes for as long as you need me too.” Sirius replied.

Once Sirius and Minerva left Albus headed for Severus’s bedroom. He found Severus sitting in a chair beside the bed holding Hermione’s hand. “My boy, she will be just fine. Sirius will be covering your classes. He said he would be happy to cover them for as long as we need him too.” Albus said.

“Tell him thanks. He was always pretty good at potions. He’ll find my lesson plans on my desk.” Severus said quietly.

“Why don’t you get some sleep, I’ll stay here and watch over her for you. You need your rest as well son.” Albus said gently but firmly.

Severus merely nodded. He rose to his feet and changed into his pajamas. He then climbed into bed beside his precious Hermione. He wrapped her in his arms and drifted off to sleep. Albus kept a silent vigil over the sleeping couple. Hoping that they could stop Malfoy before Hermione or Severus or anyone else was hurt or worse killed.

T.B.C