Love of a Phoenix *COMPLETE*

Love of a Phoenix

Chapter 9

The next day, Hermione rested while Severus watched over her. He was scared to death. He was out of his league. He didn’t know a lot about human Phoenixes. All he could do was hope he was strong enough to help her through this. Just then, there was a knock on the door. With one last look at the sleeping Hermione, he stood up and went to see who it was.

“May I come in Severus?” Minerva asked.

Severus stepped aside so she could enter. Minerva sat on the sofa while Severus ordered tea. After a few moments, Minerva began speaking. “How is she?”

“She’s sleeping finally. Last night she had several bad nightmares. There were times when she would literally be surrounded in flames. All I could do was hold her, trying to offer some kind of support.” Severus sighed.

“She’ll be just fine. Hermione is a fighter, don’t worry.” Minerva said gently.

“Minerva, you didn’t hear that voice. The darkness within her. I fear that Hermione and I won’t be enough to drive it away. I’m scared I’ll lose her to the Darkness.” He said as he got to his feet to pace.

“Severus, you mustn’t think like that. You need to be strong. I know right now that’s hard, but never give up or else the Darkness will succeed. Do you hear me. You and Hermione are strong enough to fight and drive the Darkness away for good.” She said sternly as she stood right in front of him.

Severus looked into her eyes. He saw that Minerva believed in his and Hermione’s love. He knew then that he and Hermione would be all right. They would get through this nightmare together.

“I won’t give up Minerva. I swear I won’t.” Severus vowed.

************************************************************************

The week passed. Aurora continued working with Hermione. As Friday drew nearer, Hermione became more and more scared of the Phoenix within her. She found it harder to control the Darkness.

“I can’t do this Professor.” Hermione sighed as she turned from Aurora.

“Hermione, you can. Remember what I’ve taught you. Plus, Severus will be there at your side. I’ve noticed the connection between you two growing stronger. On Saturday night, Poppy will be helping me with the Ritual of Fire and Ice. That should help control the Darkness, if not eliminate it completely.” Aurora said soothingly.

“You want us to do the Ritual? Professor, no mortal man has survived that Ritual in my family! That’s why it hasn’t been performed in over one hundred fifty years!” Hermione exclaimed.

“But Severus is not mortal. He’s a Wizard.” Aurora replied calmly.

“Have you explained to him what will happen? What I will go through?” Hermione demanded.

“Yes. He was worried for you, not about himself. All he wants is to make sure you’re safe, even if it costs him his life. That’s what makes all the difference. He knows what he’s getting into. I’m guessing most of the mortals who tried it before in your family had no idea.” Aurora pointed out.

“That’s right, they didn’t know.” Hermione said as realization dawned on her. “This might work after all.” she smiled.

************************************************************************

At 8:45 Friday night, Hermione met Severus in his office. Severus had explained that they would take a secret passage out of the castle and apparate from there. Hermione felt much calmer by the time she reached Severus’s office.

“You ready love?” Severus asked.

“Yes. Earlier I was scared and nervous, but now I feel so calm. I mean I still feel Her in me, but with you around, She’s more quiet.” Hermione answered.

This relieved Severus greatly. He took her hand and the couple made their way out of the castle. They walked in silence to the gates. Once off the grounds, Severus pulled her close. They closed their eyes and apparated away. When Hermione opened her eyes, she found herself standing before a small mansion. Hermione took a calming breath and the two entered the house.

************************************************************************

“My Lord.” Severus said as he knelt before Voldemort.

“Welcome Severus. This must be Miss Granger.” Voldemort replied as he signaled for Severus to stand.

“Yes My Lord.” Severus answered.

“Please, have a seat my dear.” Voldemort smiled.

A chair appeared for Hermione and Severus. Slowly Hermione sat down and faced him. She felt the Phoenix in her flare for a moment, but she quickly quelled it. “Um… Professor Snape said you wanted to meet me. I don’t want to seem rude, but why me?” Hermione asked.

“Simple. You are a powerful witch. Even if you are a muggle-born. I want to make you an offer.” Voldemort answered. Hermione nodded for him to continue. “I know that you feel suppressed at Hogwarts. My sources tell me that you are top of your class and could sit your N.E.W.T’s now and probably pass them with no effort. Dumbledore doesn’t appreciate your talents. Neither do your friends. What I am offering is a chance to come into your full potential.” Voldemort smiled.

“My full potential? What do you mean?” Hermione questioned.

“If you joined me, I would let you do whatever you wished. You would not have any of the restrictions as you do at Hogwarts. You would have at your disposal, anything your heart desired in the form of study material. I could even arrange for you to take your N.E.W.T’s now and begin pursuing whatever field of study you wished.” Voldemort explained.

Hermione fell silent. She knew what he was trying to do. The Darkness in her seemed to be interested in his offer, but she would not allow that Darkness out. She could feel Severus’s eyes on her, and knew he too was concerned about the Darkness as well. After a few moments, she faced Voldemort.

“What you are asking, will take some consideration. You are asking me to rethink everything I have been taught about you as well as possibly betraying my friends. That’s not something I can just agree to at the drop of a hat sir.” Hermione said.

“Hermione, tell me, are Potter and Weasley really and truly your friends? They only come to you for your brain, nothing more. You and I both know this. But, take time and make your decision, but not too much time.” Voldemort agreed.

Hermione nodded. Voldemort then dismissed the couple. They bowed to him and returned to Hogwarts. They re-entered the castle and headed straight from his study. Severus ordered them some hot tea and they sat in silence.

“That went better than I expected. She only flared up twice. Once, when I first entered the mansion, and the second time when he made his offer.” Hermione said.

“This means you are getting better at controlling it. This is a good sign.” Severus smiled.

“Yeah. I’m just worried about tomorrow night. What if something goes wrong Severus? I can’t and won’t loose you.” She said, voicing her fears.

“Hermione, if it costs me my life to safe you, then so be it. But something in my heart is telling me that everything will be fine after tomorrow night. Now, it’s late and I need to get you to your room unseen.” He assured her.

Hermione and Severus took the teachers stairwell, which was forbidden to the students and managed to get to the Head Suit without being seen. They shared a quick kiss and Severus left. As Hermione entered the rooms, she didn’t see Blaise Zambini and Millicent Boulstrod step out of the shadows.

“What do you think?” Millicent asked.

“I think, we wait. We still don’t know how powerful she is. We don’t want risk our mission Milli.” Blaise answered.

“You’re right. I just hope we aren’t too late.” Millicent said as she stared at the closed and warded door to Hermione’s rooms.

T.B.C