Venesian Love

Venesian Love

Disclaimer: Everything you recognize, I don\'t own. This story isn\'t for money, just for fun!

Summary: It’s the gang’s 7th year. The war against Voldemort has become personal. Not just for Harry, but for Hogwarts favorite Potions Master, Severus Snape. With the start of a new years comes new trials and tribulations for everyone at Hogwarts. Will the gang be able to finally defeat Voldemort and live normal lives? Read and find out.

Chapter 12

Two weeks had passed since the explosion and both Severus and Hermione were still unconscious. Harry and Ron visited them both everyday. Hoping they would wake up.

“Please. Hermione, Severus, please wake up.” Ron pleaded softly as he and Harry sat next to their friends one night.

“Ugh. My head.” Hermione moaned as she slowly began to sit up.

“Hermione!” Ron cried.

“You’re awake! Madame Pomfrey!” Harry yelled.

“Ow!” Hermione moaned as she grabbed her head.

A second later Poppy rushed in. She began to poke, proud and fuss over Hermione. After five minutes of this she was satisfied.

“You hungry?” Poppy asked.

“Yes ma’am. Could I also have a headache potion?” Hermione answered.

Poppy nodded and hurried away.

“What happened?” Hermione asked.

“The potion exploded. You and Severs have been here for two weeks. Do you remember anything that happened?” Harry asked.

“Yes. Severus and I were going to add the next set of ingredients. When we entered the lab we saw Pansy Parkinson pouring something into the potion.” Hermione answered.

Just then Poppy returned to the room with a headache potion and a tray of food. Hermione downed the potion first before getting more comfortable on the bed.

“Ron, go get the Headmaster and Professor McGonagall and tell them to come here.” Hermione requested.

“Sure.” Ron said as he stood, kissed her forehead and left.

“Harry, it was Voldemort.” Hermione said.

“I figured as much. Who?” Harry asked.

“Let’s wait till the professors and Ron get here. How’s Severus?” she answered.

“Physically he’s fine. We are just waiting for him to wake up. Poppy says that his mind scans or whatever she called it showed that mentally he’s fine too. It seems he took the brunt of the explosion.” he answered.

“That’s good. I just wish he would wake up.” Hermione said as she reached over and placed her hand over her husband’s.

“Welcome back Hermione.” Albus said as he entered with Minerva and Ron.

“Thanks.” Hermione said with a smile.

“Dear, what happened?” Minerva asked.

“Well, Severus and I were adding the next set of ingredients. When we entered the lab there was Pansy Parkinson. She was pouring something into the potion. Severus asked what she was doing there. She said, “Just delivering a message. See ya.” Then the potion exploded.” Hermione answered.

“Do you have any idea where Miss Parkinson was when the potion exploded?” Minerva asked.

“Yeah. She activated a port key a few seconds before the potion blew. I guess she returned to the Slytherin common room.” Hermione replied.

“You have no idea what she poured into the potion?” Ron asked.

“I might if I could see the lab. I might be able to figure out what she poured into it. Have you had the lab cleaned?” Hermione answered.

“The lab hasn’t been touched. As soon as Poppy gives you the okay, I’ll take you down there.” Albus said.

Poppy then entered. She spent ten minutes doing a final check on Hermione. After ten minutes she was satisfied.

“Mione, I know you probably want to stay here with Severus, but it would be better that you don’t.” Ron said.

“Ron’s right. Look, Voldemort knows about you and Severus. If you’re here, it could make it easier for him to get you. If you’re around us and the professors, you would be safer.” Harry added.

“You’re right. I just hate leaving him when he’s hurt.” Hermione sighed.

Ron and Harry gathered her tightly in a hug. Poppy, Albus and Minerva watched the three friends. They were glad Hermione was awake, but they were still worried about Severus and when he woke up.

“Hermione, why don’t you get showered and dressed. Then me and Minerva will take you to the lab.” Albus said.

Hermione nodded. She got to her feet, grabbed her clothes and headed for the bathroom. An hour later, Hermione left the hospital with Albus and Minerva. Silently they headed for Severus and Hermione’s private rooms. They entered what was left of the lab. Memories of the explosion flashed through Hermione’s mind as she stared at the destroyed potion and lab.

“Hermione?” Minerva said gently.

“Yes. Well, Pansy was standing about there.” Hermione said as she pointed to her left near the storage cabinet.

Hermione walked over and began sifting through the debris. On the floor she found a cracked ingredient vile. Gingerly she picked it up and examined it.

“Oh my god!” she gasped.

“What did you find?” Albus asked as he and Minerva moved to her side.

“She poured an entire vile of Belladonna into the potion. That’s why it exploded. The properties of the potion caused it to become unstable and highly explosive.” Hermione answered.

“You and Severus are extremely lucky you even survived the explosion.” Minerva said quietly.

“Can you take me back to Severus? And tonight, at least, can I stay with him?” Hermione asked.

“Of course. Tomorrow is Saturday. Ron and Harry have gathered your assignments. Might I suggest you spend tomorrow and Sunday working on them. Just to keep your mind occupied.” Albus answered.

Hermione nodded. The three headed back to the hospital. When they entered Harry and Ron were still there at Severus’s side. Minerva quickly explained what Pansy had done and that Hermione was staying the night in the hospital to be with Severus.

“We understand.” Harry said.

“Yeah. We’ll come get you for breakfast.” Ron added.

“Thanks guys.” Hermione smiled.

Everyone gave Hermione a hug and a kiss, then left. Hermione changed into a clean gown and climbed into bed beside her husband.

“Please Severus. Wake up. I need you. I can’t do this alone. Please come back to me.” she whispered then kissed him softly.

Hermione rested her head on his chest and fell asleep. As she slept, Severus unconsciously tightened his hold on his wife. That night both husband and wife slept peacefully. As the sun rose, Hermione began to awaken. She looked over sadly at her still sleeping husband. She leaned over and kissed him tenderly. She sighed heavily as she began to get dressed for the day. An hour later Ron and Harry entered the infirmary.

“You ready to face the school?” Harry asked as they left the hospital.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” Hermione answered as she took a deep breath.

Together the three entered the Great Hall. All movement and conversation stopped. Everyone in the hall turned and stared at Hermione as she entered the hall with Ron and Harry.

“Hermione!” Ginny squealed.

Ginny jumped to her feet and ran to her best friend. The two girls hugged each other tightly. The hall then erupted in an explosion of noise. The students, except those of Slytherin, began to clap and cheer. Hermione smiled brightly as she made her way to the Gryffindor table. Albus then rose to his feet and the hall fell silent.

“I would like to say on behalf of the professors, Welcome Back Miss Granger. I have spoken to Madame Pomfrey and she says that Professor Snape is perfectly fine, just unconscious. We are hoping he will be waking up soon. Now tuck in.” Albus said.

Hermione’s friends began to tell her everything she had missed. She was quickly caught up on the gossip as well as her classes. It felt good to be among her friends again. Harry and Ron glanced at the Slytherin table. They saw Pansy looking completely shocked that Hermione was alive, let alone awake and unharmed.

“Balise, can I talk to you?” Millicent asked.

“Sure.” Balise Zambini answered.

Balise and Millicent went outside the hall. Once they were sure they were alone they stopped.

“I know who attacked Snape and Granger.” Millicent said.

“Who?” Balise asked.

“Pansy Parkinson. The day that potion they were working on exploded, Pansy got a letter. I know it was from her father. She got an evil smile on her face then left. She came back about ten minutes later with a satisfied smile.” Millicent said.

“I think we should tell Dumbledore.” Balise said.

Millicent nodded. The two headed to the Great Hall. They finished their breakfast then headed to find Professor Dumbledore. They headed to his office, said the password and entered.

“Sir, can we talk to you?” Millicent asked.

“Of course. Please sit down.” Albus answered.

Millicent and Balise sat down and told Albus what they knew. Albus listened quietly. When the two Slytherins were finished, Albus spoke.

“Thank you for coming to me. Miss Granger said that both she and Professor Snape saw Miss Parkinson pouring a vile of what Miss Granger identified last night as Belladonna. Miss Boulstrod, do you know if Miss Parkinson still has that letter?” Albus said.

“I’m not sure. Tonight when she’s asleep, I can look.” Millicent answered.

“Good. If you find it, please bring it to me at once.” Albus said.

“We will. Do you know where we could find Hermione?” Balise asked.

“I believe she is in the library with Harry and Ron catching up on her school work.” Albus answered.

“Thanks.” they said with a smile.

Balise and Millicent hurried from the headmaster’s office and made their way to the library. They found Hermione sitting with Harry and Ron at the back of the library. They made their way over to the trio.

“Can we help you?” Ron asked.

“We just wanted to say welcome back to Hermione.” Balise answered.

“Thanks.” Hermione said.

“We just came from seeing Dumbledore. The day that potion exploded, Pansy got a letter. I’m going to try and find it. Dumbledore said you and Snape saw Pansy pouring Belladonna into the potion. If I find the letter, there’s no way she can talk her way out of this.” Millicent said.

“Thanks. We really appreciate your help.” Harry replied.

“Look, both of our families are neutral. We could care less about who wins. As long as neither side bothers us, we don’t and won’t get involved.” Balise explained.

“I appreciate you two trying to help. Thank you.” Hermione said as she shook both their hands and smiled.

“You’re welcome.” Millicent and Balise said with a smile.

The two Slytherins left and Ron, Harry and Hermione returned to their studies. That night after dinner, Hermione returned to her husband’s room to see if there was any change.

“Hello Hermione.” Severus said from his propped up position against the headboard.

“Severus! You’re awake!” Hermione cried as she rushed to her husband.

Severus gathered his wife into his arms. The couple held each other tightly. Both glad that they were together once more.

“I’m so glad you’re awake.” Hermione said softly as she pulled back.

“Me too. Albus stopped by about an hour ago. He said you found out what Pansy poured into the potion. He also told me that Mr. Zambini and Miss Boulstrod stopped by to see him.” Severus said.

“Yes. Pansy poured Belladonna into the potion. While I was in the library catching up on my assignments with Ron and Harry, Balise and Millicent talked to us. They said that they were sorry about what happened. Millicent is trying to find the letter that Pansy got the day the potion exploded. If she finds it, Pansy’s not getting away with this.” Hermione explained.

“Good. Now, I have something to tell you. Do you remember that premonition I had the day we were hurt?” Severus asked.

“Yes.” Hermione answered slowly.

“While I was asleep, I had the same one, only different. Instead of following Avery, I simply killed him. You didn’t die and we both Draco Malfoy together.” Severus explained.

“So, one premonition, two outcomes. So that means on the day of the final battle, you will have two choices to make. You and you alone are the only one who can make that choice.” Hermione said.

Severus simply nodded. Hermione stayed another two hours then headed to bed. The next day Severus was at the staff table. Everyone applauded when he entered the Great Hall for breakfast on Sunday.

“Welcome back my boy.” Albus said.

“Thank you. I assume you followed my lesson plans?” Severus asked.

“To the letter.” Albus assured him.

In the middle of breakfast Millicent got up and walked over to Hermione.

“Hey Granger, can I have a word with you for a second?” Millicent asked.

“Sure. I’m done anyway. Guys, I’ll meet you in the library.” Hermione answered.

Harry and Ron nodded. Hermione followed Millicent out of the Great hall and into the hallway. They stopped near a window and stared out over the snow covered grounds.

“Before breakfast, I went to Professor Dumbledore. Last night I found the letter.” Millicent said.

“That’s great. I don’t know how to thank you.” Hermione said.

“No thanks are needed. Well, I gotta go. I’ve got to study for that Charms test on Wednesday. Take care and watch your back.” Millicent said.

Hermione nodded. She smiled softly as she watched Millicent walk away. Hermione turned back to the window.

“Miss Boulstrod found the letter. After breakfast I am sending for some aroras. We will then bring in Miss Parkinson. We have proof that she was ordered to try and kill you and Hermione.” Albus said.

“AAAAHHHH!”

The entire hall fell silent. Severus, Albus and Minerva looked at each other, then jumped to their feet and fled the hall. Harry, Ron, Ginny and Balise quickly followed them.

“I may have failed before, but I won’t now. Time to say farewell mudblood.” Pansy said.

“Please. Don’t.” Hermione gasped.

Hermione watched as Pansy raised the dagger over her head and plunge it down toward her own chest. Hermione closed her eyes and waited.

“Pertrificus Totalus!” Balise yelled.

Pansy fell to the floor beside Hermione. The group rushed to Hermione. Hermione tried to sit up, but only fell to the floor in faint. Severus knelt at her side. He moved her into his arms, only to see the pool of blood underneath her.

“Get her to Poppy! Now!” Albus ordered.

Severus gathered her in his arms and tried to keep pressure on the wound. Harry, Ron and Balise stayed with Albus and Minerva, while Ginny went with Severus.

“POPPY!” Severus screamed.

“What is…Dear Merlin! Put her here.” Poppy exclaimed once she saw Severus with Hermione.

By now, Hermione’s shirt and pants were soaked through with her blood. Poppy quickly set to work. She drew a curtain around the bed. Ginny placed her arm around Severus’s shoulders as they sat and waited.

“Mr. Zambini, Harry, you two pick up Miss Parkinson and take her to my office. Ron, you go with Professor McGonagall to Hermione’s room and pack all of her belongings and bring them to my office.” Albus ordered.

Minerva and Ron rushed off. Balise and Harry picked up the unmoving Pansy Parkinson and followed Albus to his office. They entered and the two boys unceremoniously dropped Pansy on a nearby couch. They sat in the chairs while Albus flooed the Ministry of Magic.

“Professor, why are we packing Hermione’s things?” Ron asked as he began packing Hermione’s books and parchments.

“I have a feeling Albus will be sending Hermione and Severus into hiding.” Minerva answered as she folded Hermione’s clothes.

“That is if she doesn‘t die. She did loose a lot of blood.” Ron said quietly.

“She won’t die. Severus and Poppy won’t allow it.” Minerva replied as she placed her hand on Ron’s shoulder.

Back in the hospital wing Poppy continued to work on Hermione. Severus was pacing like a caged animal. Ginny sat there and prayed for her friend and Severus. Poppy hurried from behind the curtain and into her office. Five minutes later she hurried out followed by two Medi-Wizards from St. Mungo’s.

“What’s happening!” Severus demanded.

“Miss Weasley, please go find Professor Lupin. Severus, please. Sit down and wait for Remus. Things aren’t going well. I need you to be patient. Please.” Poppy said calmly.

Ginny ran through the castle. She burst into Remus’s office and found him at his desk grading papers. Remus had been having a hard time with his transformations and with everything that had happened to Hermione and Severus.

“Remus!” Ginny gasped.

“Ginny? What is it?” Remus asked.

“It’s…it’s Hermione. She was attacked. Poppy is still working on her and she sent me to get you. Severus isn’t taking this well.’ Ginny answered quickly.

Remus rushed out of the office with Ginny on his heels. They reached the hospital wing in three minutes. Remus found Severus sitting in a chair with his head in his hands.

“Severus.” Remus gasped.

Severus looked up. Remus walked over and sat on one side, while Ginny sat on the other. The three gathered each other in a tight hug and held each other as they waited.

“Albus, she will be tried and convicted of three accounts of attempted murder. If, Miss Granger does not make it or even if she does, Miss Parkinson here will be given the Dementor’s Kiss.” Arthur Weasley said.

“Thank you Arthur. I must get to the hospital wing. I will keep you updated on Hermione’s condition.” Albus said.

Arthur nodded. The three aroras took the bound and gagged Pansy away to be tried and given the Dementor’s Kiss. Once they were gone, Balise finally spoke.

“Sir, why are people after Professor Snape and Hermione Granger?” he asked.

“I think Professor Snape should be the one to decide if you should know.” Albus answered.

Balise nodded in understanding. The three left the office and hurried to the hospital wing.

“Severus, come here please.” Poppy said wearily.

Severus got to his feet and moved over to Poppy.

“It seems that the blade had a poison on it. The blade also penetrated Hermione’s left lung. She’s finally healed. We managed to completely heal her lung and remove the poison from her system. She will be weak and extremely tired for the next few weeks.” Poppy explained.

“But she’s alive? She’s going to be all right?” Severus asked.

“Yes, but it will take some time.” Poppy answered.

“How long?” Severus asked.

“Two to three months. By May at the latest she should be good as new. Perhaps sooner if your powers as Venesians help with the healing.” Poppy answered.

“There’s more. There’s a chance she may never be able to have children.” Poppy added softly and sadly.

Severus closed his eyes tightly and took a deep, shuttered breath. He nodded and moved to his wife’s side. He found her sleeping peacefully. He sat beside her bed and took her left hand in his.

“Oh Hermione. I’m so sorry.” he whispered.

Two hours later, Severus sat in Albus’s office with Balise, Millicent, Albus and Minerva.

“Do I have your Wizard’s Oath that what you are about to hear, will not go any further?” Albus asked.

“Yes sir.” Millicent and Balise answered.

“If you feel the need to talk about what you’re about to hear, go to either Professors McGonagall, Dumbledore, Lupin, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley or Ginny Weasley.” Severus said.

Balise and Millicent nodded.

“Myself and Hermione are being targeted because we fell in love and got married. Hermione was a target anyway because she’s best friends with Harry Potter. When we got together, she became an even bigger target. I was discovered as a spy over the summer. Pansy was sent to kill us because we were working on a potion that, hopefully was going to weaken Voldemort and making it easier for Harry to defeat him.” Severus explained.

“You two are also Venesian as well. Aren’t you?” Millicent asked.

“Yes. How did you know?” Severus asked.

“I could see a soft golden glow surrounding you and Hermione when we saw her in the hospital wing.” Millicent answered.

“What will you do now?” Balise asked.

“In two days, my wife and I are going into hiding. That way, she can heal.” Severus answered.

“Now, you two must be careful not to speak of this in public.” Albus said.

Balise and Millicent nodded in understanding. Two days later, in the dead of night, Severus, Hermione and Remus left Hogwarts and made their way to 12 Grimmwauld Place where Sirius was waiting. Severus and Hermione’s friends hoped and prayed for a safe journey for them and a speedy recovery for Hermione.

T.B.C