Love's Journeys *COMPLETE*

Love’s Journeys

Chapter 7- Recovered at Last

Sometime within the night Severus awoke. Rubbing the sleep out of his eyes he looked down at the young woman in his arms. The memories of what had happened over the past five days came flooding back to him. He looked over and saw Albus watching on with a saddened expression.

“How do you feel my boy?” Albus asked.

“I’ll be better when Hermione is safe and we no longer have to worry about Malfoy trying to kill her or me.” Severus answered quietly as he held Hermione as close as he could without bothering her injuries.

“I understand. The Order and the Ministry are doing their best to try and find Draco as well as a way to defeat him.” Albus said.

Severus nodded. He closed his eyes as he listened to the gently sounds of Hermione’s breathing. ‘Soon my love, soon this nightmare of ours will be over and you’ll be safe again.’ Severus thought to himself.

“I’m going to go and get some rest. If you need anything please call either myself or Minerva. Don’t worry about Hermione, with rest and relaxation she’ll be good as new in no time.” Albus said as he rested his hand on Severus’s shoulder.

“Thank you Albus. Tell the others I said….just tell them….you know what I mean.” Severus stuttered.

Albus simply nodded his head, leaned over and kissed Hermione’s forehead gently and then silently exited the room leaving Severus and Hermione alone. Once alone Severus snuggled back under the comforter and against Hermione’s sleeping form.

“Severus. Severus help me please.” Hermione moaned in her sleep.

Severus simply held her a little closer. “Sshh, it’s all right Hermione. I’m right here my love. I’ll never leave you again.” Severus whispered.

Hermione shifted in her sleep and moved closer to Severus’s body, searching out his warmth and protection. Severus rested his head on hers as she once again fell back into a deep slumber. The sound of her gentle breathing and her heart beat quickly lulled Severus to sleep as well.

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Hermione awoke to the feeling of protection and warmth. She looked up and saw the handsome face of her lover, Severus Snape, sound asleep. She smiled gently as she studied his face. Slowly she moved her right arm out from under Severus’s arm, which was wrapped around her, and tried to move it but only cried out as the pain shot up her arm. Severus jerked awake as he heard her cry of pain. He looked down at her face contoured in pain.

“Hermione, darling, what is it?” he asked gently as he pulled away from her slightly.

“My arm. It hurts so bad.” Hermione hissed as tears slipped from under her tightly closed eyelids.

Severus reached over and grabbed the vile that Poppy had left for her pain. Placing it gently against her lips Hermione swallowed the liquid. The pain began to fade away. Hermione fell back against the pillow under her head.

“How do you feel?” he asked gently.

“Like hell. What happened? The last thing I remember was you going into the kitchen and I started crying into Ron’s shoulder. I don’t remember what happened after that.” She said quietly.

“All this stress has caused your body to have a slight relapse. Some of your injuries weren’t fully healed yet. Poppy has ordered you to stay in this bed till she says otherwise. The only people allowed to visit you are Albus and Minerva. Minerva will be helping you with your baths and things. Sirius is taking over my classes till you are fully recovered.” Severus answered.

Hermione nodded as she snuggled closer to his body.

“I’m a little hungry. Could I get something to eat?” she asked hesitantly.

Severus smiled. He climbed out of the bed and walked around to her side. He gingerly helped her into a sitting position then he called on a house elf to bring them some food. Within five minutes their food was there and the two were eating in a comfortable silence. Throughout the rest of the morning Hermione rested while Severus sat by her side.

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Right before his first class Sirius knocked on the door. Severus rose to his feet and opened the door. “Morning Severus, I know Poppy said no visitors but I just had to know. How is she feeling?” Sirius asked.

“A little better, she was able to eat breakfast, which is an improvement. She’s resting at the moment. Since you have about twenty minutes before your first class gets here I’ll let you in for a few minutes.” Severus said as he moved away so Sirius could enter the room.

Sirius walked in and headed to Hermione’s side. He couldn’t help but noticed how pale she looked. It scared him to death that Draco was out there somewhere and that neither the Order nor the Ministry could find him.

“She looks so pale and weak. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her like this.” Sirius whispered more to himself than anyone else.

“I know. I hate seeing her like this. It’s ripping my heart out to see her like this and there’s nothing I can do about it.” Severus said brokenly as he dropped into the chair beside the bed and took hold of her hand.

“Don’t worry. We’ll find that little son-of-a-bitch and make sure he pays for what he’s done to Hermione.” Sirius said. He leaned over and gently kissed her forehead before leaving the room. At the doorway he turned back to Severus, “Severus, if you need me for anything, you know where I’ll be.”

“Thanks; for being there for Hermione and I and for taking over my classes. I appreciate it Sirius.” Severus said as he nodded his head in thanks.

Sirius smiled slightly then left the room and headed for the classroom. His first class was Triple Potions 7th years. This class was Gryffindor and Slytherin. Sirius sat himself at Severus’s desk as he waited for the students to enter the room.

“I hope Hermione is okay.” Ron said worriedly as he and Harry made their way to their Potions class.

“I know. I wonder who is covering Severus’s classes. I mean you and I both know he won’t leave Hermione’s side for a second.” Harry replied.

The two entered the classroom and got a shock as they saw Sirius sitting at the head of the class. Both boys waved at Sirius as they took their seats. Once all the students were in their seats Sirius began.

“Good morning. My name is Professor Black. I will be covering Professor Snape’s classes for a while. He is going to be out for a few weeks maybe more. I will be following his lesson plans. So let us begin. I believe you are working on the Poly Juice Potion. Turn to the chapter in your books and begin on the next phase of the potion.” Sirius said. The students opened their books and began working in silence.

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Albus was meeting with the Minister of Magic Arthur Weasley. Mr. Weasley was offered the position after Cornelius Fudge was killed during the war. “Any news yet Arthur?” Albus asked.

“No. We have teams scouting everywhere for a sign of Draco Malfoy. How is Hermione?” Arthur asked.

Albus sighed sadly. “Not too good. She had a relapse last night from all the stress. A few of her injuries weren’t healed as well and she collapsed. Poppy has ordered her to bed rest. Severus is watching over her. Poppy seems to think that she will be fully healed within a few weeks.”

“I can’t believe this is happening to Hermione. I have my best Auroras out searching for him as well.” Arthur said.

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“Well, the Ministry and the Order of the Phoenix are looking for me. Too bad they won’t find me. Not until it’s too late to save their precious little mudblood and that traitor Snape. Now, all I have to do is bide my time for the perfect moment to strike. HA!HA!HA!HA!” Draco said as his evil laughed echoed of the walls of the room he stood in as he watched over the meeting between Dumbledore and Weasley.

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Over the next month Hermione was recovering from her injuries right on schedule. She was getting very tired of staying in bed. She was finally able to take her showers and things without the help of Minerva, which for Hermione was a big accomplishment.

“Severus please. Can’t I just sit in the sitting room and read for a while?” Hermione pleaded.

“You cannot leave this bed until Poppy says you can. She’s on her way now to check on you.” Severus said grinning trying not to laugh at his irate girlfriend.

Hermione crossed her arms over her chest and began to pout. This caused Severus to begin laughing. He was still laughing when Poppy entered the bedroom. She smiled warmly as she saw Severus laughing and Hermione sitting against the headboard of the bed pouting.

“How are we feeling today Hermione?” she asked warmly.

“I want out of this bed.” Hermione answered.

“Well, let’s take a look at you and then we will see.” Poppy said as she shooed Severus out of the room while she began to scan over Hermione.

Severus sat in a chair in the sitting room when Remus and Sirius knocked on the door then poked their heads in the room. “Can we come in?” Remus asked.

“Yeah.” Severus answered.

The two men entered and sat across from Severus on the couch. “How’s Hermione today?” Remus asked.

“She wants out of bed. She was pouting when Poppy showed up for her check up. It was quite cute actually.” Severus answered as he chuckled.

“I can imagine. She’s been stuck in that bed for over a month now. I’m sure she’ll be glad once she can get up and move around again.” Sirius said.

The three men sat chatting about classes and any leads that the ministry or the Order had on finding Draco. Twenty minutes later Poppy exited out of the bedroom followed by a fully clothed Hermione. Hermione walked out wearing a pair of muggle jeans and a long sleeve white shirt.

“Hermione has made a full recovery. There is no lasting damage from the injuries that she had sustained.” Poppy informed them. “Well, I’ll be going now.” She said as she left the room.

“How are you feeling?’ Remus asked.

“Great! I’m finally free of that bed.” Hermione said in a haughty tone. This caused the three men to burst out laughing at the expression on Hermione’s face as she sat down on Severus’s lap. “If you three don’t stop laughing at me I will hex you guys six ways from Sunday!” she threatened.

The three immediately stopped laughing. They knew she would and that she wouldn’t be nice about it either. “So, now that you’re free what do you want to do my love? There is a Quidditch match today. Gryffindor vs. Ravenclaw.” Severus suggested.

“Sounds great! I could use some fresh air.” Hermione said.


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The four emerged from the dungeons twenty minutes later as they headed toward the teacher’s box to watch the Quidditch match. “Hello Hermione. It’s good to see you up and about.” Albus said as he hugged her.

“Thanks Professor Dumbledore. It’s good to be up and around finally.” Hermione said as she sat beside Severus and Albus.

The faculty had all been told about the relationship between Hermione and Severus. The teachers all welcomed Hermione back and were quite thrilled at the idea of Hermione and Severus together. They all agreed it was about time Severus had some happiness in his life. Hermione cheered on her friends as she watched the match. In the end Gryffindor won with a score of Gryffindor-240 and Ravenclaw-30. Hermione clapped and cheered with the rest of her house as Harry had once again caught the snitch. After being welcomed back by her fellow Gryffindors and congratulating the team Hermione and Severus were alone walking through the gardens.

“It’s so nice out here.” Hermione sighed as she leaned against Severus as they walked along the paths through the gardens.

“Love, I’m so glad you are finally well and back on your feet.” Severus said wrapping his arm tightly around her shoulders.

The couple spotted a bench and sat down side-by-side. Severus pulled Hermione onto his lap and hugged her tightly to him, his cloak surrounding her keeping her warm from the cool fall air of November.

“Severus, have they…have they found Draco yet?” she asked quietly as she rested her head against his chest.

Severus sighed and kissed the top of her head. “Not yet. We are still trying to locate him. Don’t worry honey, we have added to the security of Hogwarts to better protect you. Plus you have me. I won’t let you out of my sight unless I have to and then Harry and Ron have been given permission to escort you to class.”

Hermione raised her head to look into his eyes. She stared into their black depths. Leaning up she pressed her lips gently to his. Over the past month Severus and Hermione had gotten closer. They found they had many things in common; from their love of potions to their love of muggle music.

Severus sighed contently as he felt her lips gently glide over his. After a few minutes her slid his tongue over her lips. She happily opened her mouth to his tongue. Their tongue softly caressed each other. Severus shifted his hold on her pulling her closer while deepening the kiss. Hermione slid her fingers up to tangle them in his hair. Severus moaned at the feel of her fingers running through his hair and her tongue wrapping around his. While her fingers were in his hair his hands slid down her body to rest around her tiny waist. Hermione pulled away and looked into his face.

“Severus, take me to your rooms. We have some…catching up…to do.” She said seductively.

“Anything my sweet Hermione wants. She gets.” He said as he stood to his feet with her wrapped in his arms and apparated to his rooms.

Once there he trapped her lips in another passionate kiss as he carried her into his bedroom and kicked the door shut and placing a Do Not Disturb spell on the door as he did.

T.B.C