The Healing

A/N: Yes, I am at it again. With hubby gone I have nothing else to do but sit with my laptop in the wee hours LOL....so read on my friends. :)

CHAPTER ONE

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He hovered somewhere between death and dreams. He was sitting upon a large rock, staring out over the water finally at peace. He watched the sun reflect off of the water and listened to the birds in the trees, a simple luxury long denied.

He didn’t hear the visitors who approached him, for he was too engrossed in this moment of ease.

“Severus?” A soft voice called from behind him. He turned slowly, and smiled. Lilly and Albus stood there, smiling warmly.

“So I have crossed over.” He said.

“Not exactly Severus.” Albus said. “You are caught at the moment, somewhere in between.”

“I am ready.” Severus said as he looked back over the water. “I am ready to be free.”

“I’m sorry Sev, but it’s just not time.” Lilly said as she reached out to lay her hand on his shoulder.

“What do you mean?” He asked, frowning.

“You are to have a second chance Severus. The war is over, Harry succeeded in his task.” She said smiling.

“I don’t understand.” Severus said, looking back at the softly rippling lake with longing.

“You haven’t completed your destiny, Severus. You have to go back, you have lingered too long as it is.” Albus said as he stepped forward.

“Thank you Sev, for what you did for my son.” Lilly said, her eyes tearing.

“It was for you Lilly.” He told her quietly.

“Go back now Severus, live, love, and be happy.” Albus said, his blue eyes twinkling. Suddenly he was being shoved backwards by invisible hands, as though someone were slamming into him. He stumbled, his hands outstretched towards his friends, towards the peace he longed for. He fell back into the still waters, struggling for breath as he tried to regain the surface, but something pulled him deeper into the inky blackness of the lake. He couldn’t breathe, the pressure on his chest was cutting off his air as he continued to struggle against the unseen force…..


“Professor! Stop, you are going to reopen your wounds!” He stilled suddenly as a soft voice broke through the haze and he opened his eyes slowly.

A woman was lying across his chest, a round little bottom encased in tight denim, was the first thing he saw when he opened his eyes.

“Whoever you are, could you please remove yourself from my person.” He rasped hoarsely. His hand immediately went to his throat. It hurt, as did his entire body. He began to remember bits and pieces of his last waking moments, the snake, Harry, the pensive, and then that blasted bird of Dumbledore’s.

“You’re awake!” The woman cried as she scrambled off to kneel beside him on the mattress.

“Ms. Granger?” Severus blinked several times as he looked up into tear filled amber eyes.

“Yes Professor, how are you feeling?” She asked, reaching out to push his hair from his face.

“I was doing well until you attacked me.” He grumbled as he struggled to sit up, his aching muscles protesting sharply.

“I didn’t attack you sir, you were struggling and thrashing, I thought you were having another nightmare. I was trying to prevent you from reopening your wounds as they are finally healing.” She said, reaching out to help him prop himself onto the pillows.

“So you thought it reasonable to throw yourself on top of me and smother me instead? I suppose it’s less messy than allowing me to bleed to death.” She was frowning at him when he looked up. “I’m sorry Ms. Granger, was I suppose to be thrilled to awaken to the sight of your bottom in my face?”

“No.” She said, blushing furiously. “But you might consider being somewhat grateful to be alive and maybe just a little appreciative of the fact that I have been caring for you over the last several weeks.” She snapped as she scrambled off of the bed to stand beside it.

“Weeks? How long have I been unconscious?” He asked.

“Almost a month.” She said as she looked down at him.

“What happened?” Hermione sat on the edge of the mattress and sighed.

“What is the last thing you remember?” She asked him, watching for any signs that he was in pain.

“Shrieking Shack….snake…..Harry……then I was alone, until Fawkes came screeching through a window.” He frowned slightly.

“Fawkes brought you to Hagrid, and he tended to your wounds. Harry succeeded in his task Professor, Voldemort is no more.”

“Where are we?” He asked, looking around. They were in a small cabin. He could see a small kitchen and dining area, a fireplace with two wingback chairs in front of it, and the bed he was currently lying in. He saw a small door that opened into the bathroom and the one that opened to the outside.

“We are on one of the small Orkney Islands. We are its only inhabitants.” She said.

“Why? If the war is over then why are we hiding out here?” He asked.

“Harry is currently being held by the ministry while they clean up the situation, and he is going before the tribunal to clear your name. So until that happens, we stay here.”

“Why are you here? Why haven’t you returned to London, to your family?” He asked.

“You couldn’t be left alone; you needed someone to care for you. And…well, there is nothing for me to return to sir, the dark mark appeared above my parents home while we searched for the horcruxes.” Her voice broke slightly.

“I am sorry Ms. Granger.”

“You can call me Hermione you know, it is my name.” She smiled.

“It would not be appropriate.”

“You are no longer my professor, sir. Despite not finishing seventh year, the ministry gave us the credit and allowed us to graduate.”

“Very well, you may call me Severus if you like….Hermione.” His stomach began to growl rather loudly, causing her to laugh softly.

“I am sure you are starving, I have been forcing nothing but broth down you for weeks now. Dinner is in the oven, it will be done soon.” She reached for the pitcher of water on the bedside table and poured some into a glass. He took it, grateful for the cool water as it eased his parched throat. That was when he became aware of another need that required his attention.

“I um, need the facilities.” He said, and to Hermione’s surprise he looked slightly embarrassed.

“Your muscles are weak; you’ll need my help to walk across the room.” She said, reaching for a robe lying across the foot of the bed.

“Ms. Granger?” Hermione looked up to see him looking beneath the sheet. “Why am I naked?”

“Oh, well your clothes were ruined.” She said, avoiding eye contact as she blushed.


“I can see that you have my robe…so might I ask why I am not properly clothed.” He asked as she helped him slide the black velvet dressing gown over his shoulders.


“It was easier to care for you without them….I needed to be able to tend to your wounds, and bathe you.” Her face felt as though it were on fire as she helped him slide his legs to the side of the bed.

“Couldn’t you have gotten a nurse, or one of your friends to help? I hardly think it appropriate for a young woman such as you to be tending to the needs of a man, alone.” He let her place his arm around her shoulders as he stood. She had been correct, his legs were weak, and he would definitely need her assistance to make it across the room.


“You are still wanted for questioning Severus. Until Harry clears your name you are a wanted deatheater, and in the ministry’s eyes, responsible for the murder of Dumbledore.” They walked slowly across the room to the open bathroom door.


“And how does he plan to clear my name?” Severus asked as she maneuvered them through the small door.


“He took the pensive you gave him to the new Minister.” She propped him up against the counter and stepped back.

“Who is the new minister?”


“Kingsley.”


“Good man.” He lifted his brow inquiringly as she continued to stand there staring at him.

“Um….can you…..erm…..do you need my help?” She asked, face flaming.

“No, I am humiliated enough that you have tended to me over these several weeks. I can handle my business on my own.” He said with a smirk. He watched as she turned to the tub and turned on the taps. The tub began to fill with steaming water. The cottage had been charmed obviously if it had modern appliances and conveniences. She poured a small vial of healing potion into the water and stepped outside.

“Call me if you need help getting in or out of the bath.” She said.

“And if I merely need someone to wash my back?” He asked in a snarky tone.


“You are a wizard, I am sure you can find a way to wash your own back.” She slammed the door and stalked into the kitchen.

“Damn him, you’d think he could manage some amount of gratitude, or even civility.” She muttered to herself as she pulled on a pair of green oven mitts and pulled a roasted chicken from the oven. She checked the temperature and when she was satisfied, she removed it from the pan and set it on a small platter.

“I spend all my time locked in this damned cabin caring for him, making certain he doesn’t die of starvation or infection, and he has to be an asshole.” She pulled a pan of roasted potatoes from the oven and tossed them with some butter and rosemary.

“He doesn’t deserve to enjoy the meal I prepared; I should make him drink broth just for spite.” She said as she mixed up homemade vinaigrette for the salad. She sliced a loaf of fresh bread, still warm from the oven and set the table. She went to the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of white wine.

“Probably won’t appreciate it.” She mumbled as she pulled the cork and set the bottle on the table. “Likely insult my cooking as soon as he sits down.”

“Do you always talk to yourself?” Hermione turned to see him making his way from the bathroom, his hand pressed to the wall to support him as he walked through the living room in his robe. He had taken his bath and still had little drops of water clinging to the ends of his hair.

“Only when I’m frustrated.” She said as she met him half way, allowing him to lean against her as she guided him the rest of the way across the cabin and to the small table.

She helped him settle into a chair, and set about fixing him a plate.
“Did you cook this?” He asked eyeing the table before him.

“Yes, I did.” She said, slicing a large portion of white meat from the chicken’s breast.

“The muggle way?” He asked incredulously, though his mouth watered as he watched her fill his plate.

“Yes, I generally do not use magic to procure my meals.” She said, pouring him a glass of wine.

“How are you getting supplies?” He asked as he spread his napkin over his lap and waited for her to fill her own plate before digging in. He was more than a little surprised with how well the food was prepared; he hadn’t figured her for the domestic sort.

“Hagrid stops in once a week and delivers food, supplies and the latest news.” She said, watching him as he ate.

“And your friends?”

“Like I said, Harry is tied up with the Ministry at the moment, and Ron is playing Mr. Publicity and enjoying all the attention he’s getting.” She said, rolling her eyes.

“What have you been doing while I was….asleep?” He asked.

“Reading, cleaning, caring for you. In that cupboard over there is a television, I watch a lot of movies.” She said, getting up from the table and going to the counter. She reached for the apple pie she had made that morning and began to slice it. She went to the freezer and topped it with vanilla ice cream and a little cinnamon and sugar sprinkled over top.

“Aren’t you lonely?” He asked, his eyes widening when he saw the desert. “That looks amazing.” He said, as he snatched up his spoon and took a big bite. “It is amazing!” He said.

“Thank you, I’m glad you like it. And the answer is no, I’m not lonely, not really. I am enjoying the peace; I’ve had so little of it in the last few years.” She said, finishing her desert. She started clearing the table.

“I haven’t had a home cooked meal in a long time Hermione, thank you.” She stopped and turned slowly. She could see that he meant it, and her spirits lifted some.

“You’re welcome.” She said softly as she began to wash the dishes.

“I’m sorry I can’t be of more help.” He said as he watched her.

“You can do dishes?” She asked, smiling as she pictured him, big bad professor Snape, his hands covered in yellow rubber gloves scrubbing the pots and pans.

“I grew up outside of London. You know my father was a muggle, he was…..strict. I had lots of chores.” He said quietly as though remembering a time in his life that was not so pleasant.

“I was only teasing, I didn’t mean to offend you, or bring back any bad memories.” She said softly.

“No matter, as soon as I regain some of my strength, I promise to pitch in, for however long we are stuck here. I assume that were I to return to Hogwarts or London I would be arrested?” He inquired.

“Yes, hence the reason I have secreted you away. I didn’t figure you would get proper care in Azkaban. And truthfully…I just couldn’t bear to let it happen.” She said as she pulled the plug from the sink and laid her dishcloth over the spigot and removed her gloves. She turned to face him, her hands sliding into her pockets as she leaned against the kitchen counter. “I know what you have done Severus. I saw the pensive and I saw what you have been through. I just wanted you to know how much I admire what you have sacrificed.”

He shifted uncomfortably in his chair. He wasn’t accustomed to praise and it made him feel…odd.

“Yes, well, we all make sacrifices don’t we.” He said. Hermione saw that he was uncomfortable with the subject and decided to drop it for the time being. His eyes drifted around the cabin. He saw the cupboard that held her television, the bookcase overflowing with books. His eyes fell to the bed and his brow furrowed. “Hermione, there is only one bed. Where do you sleep?” He asked.

Hermione smiled slightly, she couldn’t help it, and she knew he was going to react strongly when she answered.
“I sleep beside you.” She said simply. She wanted to laugh at the expression of horror that crossed his face, but could not bring her self to do it.

“But, I’ve been naked!” He exclaimed.

“Yes, but I wear pajamas to bed….most of the time.” She said. Few people knew that she possessed a rather warped, naughty sense of humor.

“What do you mean most of the time?” His eyes were darting back and forth between her and the bed.

“When I first brought you here, you were ill, and it gets very cold at night, the only way I could still your chills was to use my body heat, so I slept curled around you…naked.” She said, tilting her head slightly as she watched him. He was blushing, she couldn’t believe it, she had made Snape blush, and who would have thought it possible.

“You are too bold by far Ms. Granger.” He said, his eyes lowered.

“Oh please, it’s rather common knowledge that using your body heat to warm another is a scientifically proven method. I promise you, it was only to warm you, taking advantage of an ill and unconscious man is not something I strive for.” She pushed away from the counter and retrieved a blue case from a cabinet.

“What is that?” He asked, eyeing the dark blue box with a large red cross emblazoned across the top.

“It’s a medi-kit. I need to check and clean your wounds. If all is well, then I will fetch you some pajamas to put on tonight, so you won’t have to worry about being naked, in a bed, with me.” She smiled. “Not that I believe my virtue to be in any danger from you.”

“Is that an insult Ms. Granger?” He asked as she pulled the other chair over so she could sit in front of him.

“I need you to pull the top of the robe down.” She said as she began to withdraw bandages and vials from the blue box. “And no, it wasn’t an insult; it’s just that everyone knows you aren’t like that.” She said as she slowly began to tug the bandages from his neck and chest.

“I assure you Ms. Granger, despite what people may believe, I am not a eunuch. I notice a pretty witch same as any other man.” He said, hissing slightly as the bandage stuck to the wound on his neck.

“There you go then because a pretty witch I definitely am not.” She soaked a gauze pad in a cleansing potion and dabbed at the healing injuries. “You are healing so fast, despite the venom.” She said smiling.

Severus looked at her for a moment. He hadn’t realized that the confident, know it all witch had self esteem issues. He hadn’t ever looked at her before, of course it would have been inappropriate with him being her teacher and she being underage, but now he had nothing to stop him from looking. She wasn’t the prettiest witch he had ever seen, but she was….interesting.

Her eyes were quite fascinating. They were the color of a fine whiskey and their amber depths revealed a wealth of knowledge uncommon in one so young. She had a soft, peaches and cream complexion that was smooth and clean, none of the garish cosmetics that marred the beauty of so many young women. She had nice lips. Her mouth was shaped like a bow, the bottom lip full and a deep shade of pink.

She didn’t possess a bad figure. She had been kind of a late bloomer, but gone was the lanky slimness of her youth, and in its place was a round, soft body that was curved in all the right places. At least in his opinion, but then again, Severus had always been a breast man, and quite fond of a woman who had a little meat on her bones. His eyes drifted to the v-neck of the cotton t-shirt she wore. She had definitely had more than enough there to tempt a man.

“That’s not true you know.” He said softly. She dabbed a little medicated ointment onto the wounds and looked up at him.

“What’s not true?” She asked as she began to replace the bandages.

“You are pretty…maybe not beautiful, but pretty none the less.” Hermione was shocked at his words. She smoothed the last bandage in place and sat back to stare at him, smiling slightly in disbelief.

“I think, that in seven years, that is the only nice thing you have ever said to me.” She said softly. She watched as his face flushed slightly and he pulled his robe back over his shoulders.

“I’m sorry if you found me…unbearable. It would not do for a man in my position to show any weakness, or fondness for any student. I would not have wanted any used as weapons against me.” He said softly as he pushed to his feet.

“I understand Severus; I didn’t mean it as an insult to you. I just wasn’t expecting a compliment.” She reached for his hand and squeezed softly. “Thank you.”

“You are welcome.” He said. “Now that you know I am not completely indifferent, could you please direct me to my pajamas?”

“Sure, they are in the chest by the bed, bottom drawer.” She watched him make his way slowly across the room. She laughed softly as the black robe trailed behind him. He was an enigma to be sure. She respected him, admired his keen intelligence and his brilliance where potions were concerned. His bravery was astounding and when she thought about all he had sacrificed, all he had lost, it took her breath away. He was pulling a pair of black satin sleep pants from the drawer and pulled them on beneath his robe, making certain that his back was to her.

She had noticed a lot about him over the last several weeks. His hair was not greasy as everyone believed, but soft, silky and so shiny it gleamed in the light. She had actually enjoyed combing it after she bathed him every night, feeling the silky strands sliding through her fingers. She had always assumed he was scrawny, but the severe black suits and voluminous robes hid a lean and muscular body, though it bore the scars of his years as a deatheater. He wasn’t a handsome man, but his face was arranged in such a way that you couldn’t help but find it attractive, even the prominent, slightly hooked nose.

She shook her head and turned to clean up the mess on the table. She shouldn’t let her thoughts drift there. Only heartache waited down that road for her. She was at a loss without the war, unsure of what to do, who to be….she longed for something meaningful, and she was better served not to try and find that something in Severus Snape.


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