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Torment Completed	By : Kvarta Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Snape/Hermione Views: 31713 -:- Recommendations : 3 -:- Currently Reading : 8
Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction. Harry Potter is owned by J.K. Rowling. This story is purely for entertainment purposes, no money is being made from it.

Chapter List
- 119
- 120
- 121
A/N: Thank you all for your support, kudos, comments, and klicks. And thank you for your patience, I know that my updates lost their rhythm, but I can’t get my life in order enough to find time for regular writing.
I went behind my beta’s back again. So, all mistakes are mine as always.
Hermione stretched and yawned, still not opening her eyes. She didn’t sleep so peacefully in years. She felt warm and unwilling to acknowledge that she’s awake. There was heaviness over her middle and over her left thigh. The rays of light came from the wrong side.
Wrong side? She frowned, still not opening her eyes. How light can come from the wrong side?
Memory of the last night-the entire last day, came rushing. Her eyes opened wide, heart beating in her throat. She carefully turned her head dreading that all was just a dream and not an actual memory.
A mop of long black hair was on the pillow next to her. Severus slept on his stomach, one arm stretched around her and one of his legs pinning her leg. Bundled up in a warm duvet. Hermione smiled, breathing out in relief.
It wasn’t a dream. He still wants to be with me.
Severus sighed in his sleep and turned. Hermione swiftly grabbed the corners of duvet, unwilling to get uncovered and lose this cosy warmth.
We slept, her brain supplied, we just slept. And it’s not that awkward anymore… Sort of…
A small smile tugged her lips when she remembered last evening. They both fumbled, trying to touch each other and avoid touching at the same time. She wanted him, she wanted so much more- but Severus seemed reluctant, so she withheld her desire. They shared a clumsy and chest good night kiss that left her lying awake deep into the night.
Misty appeared in the room, holding a heavy morning robe. Elf came near her and whispered.
“Missy must leave Master rest. Missy come with me now.”
Hermione sighed and wiggled out of bed. Over the years she learned that there was no arguing with the stubborn elf. Misty would not call her if it wasn’t important. She took the robe and wrapped it around herself with feeling of lose. She wished that she could stay there for a while longer. Misty grabbed her hand and in a blink of an eye she was in the room with only one cushion chair, tea table, liquor cabinet and a portrait over the fireplace.
“Sit girl, we need to talk.” Estelle’s sharp voice addressed her.
“You got what you wanted, so what else do you want from me?” Hermione frowned, refusing to sit down. She defiantly crossed her hands.
The old woman talked to her from time to time over the years. They always talked in the portraits room, never in this one. Even if Hermione stopped threatening Estelle’s portrait long ago, she never managed not to feel angry at the woman, or a painting.
“For once, not to argue. It is time, I think, to impart on you the most important knowledge you’ll ever get from me.” Estelle raised her head in a royal posture. “Now, listen to me. First of all, my mule of a grandson suffers from flaw or a curse that plague all Prince men. He is utterly incapable to say any kind of words of love.”
“I hate to break it to you, but that is sort of a universal flaw in men. It is not limited to Prince men alone.” Hermione huffed, regretting coming here already.
“Well, in that case- Prince men are on the extreme end of the spectrum. Women are not so far behind either. Now, not having those words in their vocabulary, does not mean they are- that we are- incapable of feeling love. In fact, we feel it strongly.”
“I am aware of that. Severus’s love for Lily…” Hermione wanted to scream, the morning started so nicely, and it was turning to its opposite fast.
“Bollocks.” Estelle waved her hand in annoyance. “If my grandson ever stopped for long enough to dig his stubborn head out of his arse, he’d know that he never even came close to love that trolop.”
Hermione gasped, unable to find words. She never heard Estelle using those words. She decided that sitting down is the best option given the turn this conversation took.
“Do not interrupt me girl.” Estelle sniffed. “As I was trying to say, we may not say it, but we do feel it. Deeply and passionately. So, do not look for words from him, let him show you his feelings. And I can assure you that that cock of my grandson does love you, even more than he himself realises. The two of you are perfect for each other…”
“Because some magical test says so? That’s rubbish.” Hermione smirked.
“No, not because you are magically compatible. Do you know what is Severus’s Patronus?” Estelle scowled at her.
“The Doe, Harry told me.” Hermione sink into the chair, the morning was officially ruined.
“I am not talking about that guilt twisted atrocity. His true Patronus…” Estelle spat the words.
“Once Patronus is changed…” Hermione started to recite half-heartedly.
“That is a load of bobbins.” Estelle cut her off. “His true Patronus, the one I know he regained once more, is the same as our family crest.”
Hermione blinked; she had no idea that Severus even tried to summon his Patronus since he awakened in the hospital. His magic returned to him in full strength, but he had not tried to summon his Patronus, not once.
I guess there was no need for it. Wait, the same as family crest- that means a bird.
“Do you think that your Patronus changed for nothing, girl?” Estelle glared at her. “And do not ask me the stupid question, I am dead not blind and deaf. Portraits talk.”
Hermione nodded, frowning.
“Now, when that is out of the way… Do not let him change his mind. That boy does not possess a single speck of self-esteem, it must have come from his fathers’ side. If you give him enough time, he’ll talk himself and you out of your little agreement.” Estelle leaned towards her. “Get him while he’s still confused and let him sort it all out later.
Now, there is a gazebo in the forest clearing…”
“Sort what out?” Hermione injected the question, feeling confused and wishing to be anywhere but here, in this conversation. Being back in a warm bed, next to sleeping Severus sounded like a good place to be.
“If you don’t mind, Hermione- I’d like to sort my grandmother out.” Came a growl from behind her, Hermione jumped on her seat. “Misty woke me up, she said that my grandmother insisted on talking to you.” Severus explained.
Hermione looked at him and blushed. He was also in a morning robe, his hair a mess of long black strands. On his left cheek, Severus still had a pinkish imprint of a pillow embroidery. She wanted nothing more than to burrow her face in his chest, to find shelter in his embrace.
Hermione stood up, nodding to both of them and slipped out of the room. This was cowardly out of her, but she did welcome the opportunity to get herself out of that conversation. The old woman could provide a good argument, but Hermione doubted that Estelle knew Severus at all. Misty waited in the hallway.
“Missy get dress. Busy day, busy day.” Huffed elf and pushed her towards her room.
~ S ~ S ~ S ~
Severus stood next to the door, glaring at his grandmother’s portrait. His heart still quivering after he woken up to an empty bead, her place already cold. His magic flaring wildly until Misty popped to explain where Hermione had vanished. Once sure that Misty took Hermione out of the earshot he hissed.
“You are meddling old crow.”
“I just wanted to make sure that the girl stays.” Estelle sniffed, looking smug.
“It is her decision, not mine and not yours.” Severus made one threatening step forward. A futile move considering that his treats never affected the portrait.
“What a load of twod[1].” Estelle huffed.
Severus straightened his shoulders, glaring at Estelle. His brain working overtime.
What did that old crow tell her?
“Wind ya neck in[2], ya old crow.” Severus send her a scowl. “You may have learned a phrase or two, but firstly you picked the wrong town. Secondly, if you want to talk like that, I can promise you- you will have a hard time understanding what I’m saying.”
Estelle sniffed again, looking a bit out of sorts. Severus smirked.
“And now that that is out of the way, where did you try to send Hermione? What is in that bloody forest?” Severus asked sharply.
“Nothing dangerous. I wanted to give her instruction to the old ceremonial ground. It is perfect for weddings…” Estelle replied, and Severus growled. “Stop sounding like a rabid dog, boy, it is only a formality after all.”
“A formality? Has the magic of the painting started to deteriorate?” Severus felt light-headed.
She will ruin everything, only yesterday Hermione was ready to run, and this old scarecrow is now pushing all sorts if ideas onto her.
“If you check our family tapestry- you’ll find that she is already on it.” Estelle hissed, standing up. “It was been so from the day you regained your old Patronus back.”
“My Patronus is a raven, Hermione has a Magpie…” Severus frowned.
“A bird of a feather, wouldn’t you say? That is, however, beside the point. She chose you and her Patronus changed accordingly, as much as the magic could influence it blindly. You, on the other hand- could chose to keep that meal of a Patronus but you didn’t. The magic of the old ways recognized your choices. You sealed the bond…” Estelle frowned. “The only thing you need is an official ceremony and that drivel from the Ministry.”
“Why I was not informed of this before? Why she was not on the tapestry before?” Severus barked; anger mixed with panic.
“You had that idiotic contract penned out even before she went back to school after you decided to seal the deal, that’s why.” Estelle placed her hands on her hips.
“And what would happen if she fell in love with someone else?” He asked, air clogging his lungs with a painful lump.
“Pish-posh, that’s a load of rubbish if you ask me. She did choose you, the only way to chase her out would be if you toss her out of here, now. Given that you did not do it so far… Do the right thing, you mule, and end. Her. Misery. It won’t take even a full day to organize all.” Estelle marched out of the portrait.
Severus heavily walked to the chair and sat down.
Everything is spinning out of the control.

Seven days later and Severus was more than a little convinced that his original assumption about things spinning out of control was correct. It gnawed on his nerves, stretched too thin, making him ready to explode.
Hermione, as he predicted, had a rage fit at the news. He had to prevent her hexing portraits. He had to prevent her to burn the bloody tapestry. He asked himself if she wanted to take his name and share the life. It was doubtful if he is to go on her reaction. He was nearly hexed when he asked her the same thing.
They informed Malfoys and Potter about their decision after she stopped fuming. And that is when all went downhill. Narcisa, Astoria and Mrs. Potter decided to help- highjack if one would ask Hermione- preparations for the ceremony. By the evening that first day, Severus was sure that Hermione would end up in Azkaban for poisoning three other witches. Lovegood girl joined in the next day and Zabini managed to drag in Longbottom into entire mess.
By the start of a third day Hermione firmly decided to deal with craziness they found themselves in. Her way of dealing with the insanity around them was to plunge herself into work. She was never around first looking then overseeing adjustments to their new Apothecary. Severus had to admit, that was not a bad tactics, but it left him to find a way to avoid people that trampled through his home.
Evenings were the worst. They both would be so exhausted that nothing but sleep came to mind. They would drag themselves to bed each evening, tired and prickly, like two porcupines and sleep. Just sleep. They would fall in the bed and by the time he’d wake up- she was already gone. He barely managed to see her at all.
Severus found himself frustrated. Surprised by the desire to rekindle the old flame. Scared that the flame could be irrevocably put down and gone. Startled with his desire for intimacy. Reluctant to initiate anything until she gave him a sign- any sign.
Now he was in the Greenhouse, testing new fertilizer formula- a high order from Longbottom. Hiding.
At least he is not trying to blow up the school by attempting to do this himself.
Severus stabbed the soft dirt with a small hand shovel. Four years ago, there was something between them. Something fluid and natural that made every intimate interaction between them… Who was he kidding, even then things weren’t easy or spontaneous, but it felt less… what? Now, she was shy and reluctant to even touch him, and he felt awkward. Severus could not imagine sleeping alone anymore, that, however, did not influence anything else.
Lost in his thoughts, he almost missed woman’s voice in the backyard. His ears twitched and strained, before he ducked under the long work bench. Steps echoed on the cobbled floor and Severus repressed the groan.
“She went to the forest site; you may stop hiding, my friend.” Lucius’s amused voice rang clear through the greenhouse, one strand of long blond hair came to his view. Digging himself out of his hideout, Severus scowled at the grinning face of Lucius. “I do not blame you. I love my wife; I am also married to the woman.” Lucius chuckled.
“Your wife has a lack of comprehension for certain terms like small, private and simple.” Severus hissed, wincing.
“Hnnn, that is not a news to any of us,” Lucius shrugged. “It is also unavoidable for all of us, I’m afraid.”
“I blame you for this, Lucius. I was finally free of all who controlled my life…” Severus snapped.
“Yes, yes, blame me for burdening you with a life of wealth and luxury.” Lucius replied in a bored tone, focused on cleaning invisible dirt from his robes with a disgusted expression.
“The life in which I’m getting married, or already am- not by my choice.” Severus hissed.
Lucius stopped cleaning his robes and looked at him. “At a risk to lose your friendship again, Severus- I do not feel guilty for that. I do not like that little witch of yours, I still consider her beneath you. But I am perfectly willing to tolerate her, even be civil to her, because- for the first time in your life, my brother, you have love.” Lucius raised a hand to prevent Severus from talking. “You love her, and she loves you. For once- you chose correctly if not wisely.”
“Lucius…” Severus growled, anger rising, he clenched his fists to prevent another outburst of magic.
“Now, if you wish to avoid Narcissa and a gaggle of overly excited witches and a few wizards, take a page from that menace you are marrying. Go to the Apothecary and remove yourself from here.” Lucius sniffed.
Severus narrowed his eyes and tilted his head. He could strangle Lucius. Then again, Lucius’ suggestion was sound. With a malicious grin, Severus slapped Lucius on the back, leaving a dirt smear on a pristine pale grey robe. With a nod he summoned Misty to transfer him to his room.

Severus entered the new Apothecary, for the first time. The shop was small and homey, in a soft shade of natural wood. It was also empty. No workers. Nothing. In fact, it looked quite finished.
Severus headed to the door behind the counter.
The next room, much larger, filled with shelves and a huge worktable in a center, also finished and empty. He frowned. With a growl he walked to the last of the rooms- the office space. That room too was finished.
In a makeshift cot he noticed Hermione, curled up on it. Anger flared, at her and himself. He was ready to bellow at her, to spill his frustration when his stomach suddenly dropped. Her sleepy face was covered with tear stains, she shivered and issued a small sob in her sleep.
Is she unhappy? Does she still have bad dreams?
Making a few paces to reach her, Severus gently touched her stained cheek calling her softly.
“Hermione?”
She jumped, wand at hand, eyes wide and panicky. She sniffed and lowered her wand. In the next moment Severus had a witch clinging to him. His brain did a summersault while his frayed nerves vibrated with confusion.
Say something, you wnaker.
“What kind of behaviour is that?” Severus barked, wishing he could smack himself. “Where are the workers?”
I deserve whatever finds me… He thought bitterly, cursing silently his own inability to put his own feelings into words, or at least comfort a frazzled witch.
Hermione mumbled something into his robe.
“Mind to repeat that in a manner that humans might understand?” He asked in a softer tone.
Still an idiot.
“They finished early today, tomorrow we’ll fill the shelves. I am a coward; I was reluctant to come to the Rosebush. I… I can’t face them-you… I’m destroying you…” Hermione mumbled, not lifting her nose from his robes.
“Unless you burned a hole in my vault, poisoned me with some sort of creative and uncurable poison, or decided to place me in Azkaban- I do not see how what you say is true. I will, however, agree that Gryffindor’s for all their bravado are in fact- cowards.” Severus frowned. What is this all about? “Now, I expect an explanation, why can’t you face me?”
He did his best not to show how much her words pained him. Hermione pressed her face firmly in his robe, shaking her head. Muffled words like want, don’t want me, force you and love you came from the folds of his robes. Severus strained to hear what she was on about, but the scent of her hair- almonds and honey, distracted him. For the first time in years she was in his arms and his brain refused to function properly.
What a pillock. Severus admonished himself, wondering how she would react… She did kiss me the other day.
If he understood her correctly, and Severus prayed that he did, he could relate to what she mumbled. Everything seemed rushed, impersonal, awkward. He frowned briefly. Prying her off himself, Severus took her face in his hands, forcing her to look at him.
“I am quite certain that my robes understood every single word. I, however, can’t claim the same.” He whispered.
Her face felt hot under his palms. Hermione’s wide eyes and slightly parted lips looked so inviting.
Maybe it is time for me to be brave? “You may stop me at any moment…” Severus said softly pulling her face to him.
The feel of her lips against his was sublime, slightly salty taste mixed with what he remembered. She sighed against his lips and melted into him, curling her hands, bunching his robes in them. Severus thought that he could spend eternity just kissing her like this. His hands glided down her cheeks and, on her shoulders, thumbs searching for the beat of her heart along the neck. Hermione issued a quiet sound that might have been a moan, she pulled him towards her. They ended up toppling on the cot she used for sleeping.
A slight cough echoed through the small room and they jumped, separating as much as their tangled robes allowed. They both had their wands in hand.
On the writing desk was perched an ethereal form of Macaque. Hermione blinked and dissolved into giggles the moment monkey started to speak in a voice of Lucius Malfoy.
“I am sorry my friend, but she twisted my arm. Prepare yourself for a day spent in shopping and robe fitting. And look busy, both of you… Not with each other, I can’t believe I’m saying this, preferably…”
The monkey vanished. Severus sat on the cot with a groan, glaring at the giggling woman next to him.
“Lucius has a monkey Patronus, no wonder he’d rather claim not to be able to cast full bodied one.” Hermione grinned.
“I’m surprised that you do not wonder how…” Severus raised an eyebrow, kicking himself mentally once more.
“Nonsense, anyone can have a happy memory. Even the ones that belong to the Dark Side.” Hermione shrugged at him, standing up. “Come on, we have to look busy, you heard the Monkey. We can finish this- later, tonight, perhaps?”
With a nod, Severus stood up. And with a flick of a wand the cot was pack and concealed. She dragged him to the middle room. When Narcissa with her patsy came, they were pouring over the lists of ingredients.

[1] Rubbish
[2] Calm down/keep your nose out of my business
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Torment *Completed*

Torment Completed