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Torment Completed	By : Kvarta Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Snape/Hermione Views: 31717 -:- 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
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A/N: This chapter was difficult to write. Extremely difficult and it took me a lot of writing and deleting and writing again.
And I think the next one will be even more difficult than this one. So I hope you’ll understand if I don’t post it soon. I presume it will take me time to write it.
You may also notice that the form of writing and form changed a little. I don't have a beta for this story yet - but I did receive pointers I'm implementing. The tone of the story is not changed, that is the tone follows the mental state of main actors, and it will continue to shift as their feelings shift.
@Black Rose "All the people in this house are suffering consequences for their actions, including Hermione. Of course, I understand the need for Lucius to make things better for his family. It just didn’t work out right this time" - very true. And no poor Lucy couldn't even dream that he would be on the receiving end of Hermione's rescue mission XD; "Severus..... he just doesn’t know what a “better life” means." - I'm afraid you are right, sadly, for him, difficult times are about to come and fast :( ; "Draco his growing on me. " - through all this story I tried to keep Draco as Draco we know from books and develop him according to what happens around him without actually changing him that much. ; "Poor Hermione, can’t do anything right." - she's doing plenty of things right, she's just still rushing into things. And she does have one or two hurdles to overcome ;) ; "Haven’t seen a post from you in a while. Hope everything is well." - thank you so much, I am fine :* This one and next few chapters are/will be difficult to write so please have a patience, I love my characters and putting them through difficult times is not easy for me :)
Severus starred at the pale-blue line of the sky. It seemed like his entire world shrunk to that infinite view. In a way, he felt like he is on the open sea – not that he knew how it is to be in the open sea – but he was sure it had to be the same. Just water and empty expense for as long as one could see.
He projected his thought to the pale canvas of the sky.
If he would think in his head, without a focal point his mind would wonder. And that scared him. Was he losing his sharpness? The only thing that he still possessed!
He was unable to move. In past days he managed to make few steps, leaning heavily on Hermione and Narcissa. Nevertheless, those few steps gave him hope. He hated that. Hope was dangerous. Hope was for the fools and idiots. Still, it meant that he was on the mend – physically at least. But even if he managed to walk, what good will it do?
He was unable to brew now. And even if he stays alive long enough, it was only matter of time... Matter of time before he can’t brew anymore. True, Lucius had right – he could take an assistant. But assistant which would possess the required level of skill was… Well, the one who could satisfy his requirements would be a Master, not assistant or apprentice.
Now, his mind would not stand still. His thoughts roaming all over the place. He couldn’t focus on them in his head. He was losing his mind – slowly and steadily.
And Hermione… ever since she got that task from Kingsley, she was locked in that library! Wasn’t she supposed to take care of him? Instead, she left him alone, day after day. She would torture him and leave him alone. The nerve of that snotty brat! She was spending most of her time with books and Draco instead to take care of him!
He was grateful for what she did for Draco. Even if that was not a solution in the long run. He hated it. Hated seeing his family suffering. Locked away from the world, unable to get out of their home. But, Draco seemed happy. He spent more time in here, even talking to Hermione. Their conversations still resembled fighting, pushing insults at each other like the beach ball. But he could see, they were at the truce. The closest to friendship they’ll ever be.
He had to admit, the strength in his arms returned with a steady increase. He couldn’t say it was all due to Hermione’s rigorous regime. His dreams held a good deal of credit for that. Blissfully, his memories stopped rushing at him at a fast pace. His dreams however increased. They invaded not only his sleep, he was daydreaming. Too often for his liking. Idle entertainment for idiots - apparently now he qualified in that group.
As a direct result, he was in need of his private time more often.
He relished those dreams, almost cherished. They represented the moments of peace and happiness, albeit, followed with wanking sessions. He was almost giddy when he realised that he didn’t have to switch arms every so often. He was grateful for that.
And, he hated them! They dangled in front of him something he never had and never will have. Love. Acceptance. Intelligent partner. They gave him hope. Not the same kind as the wobbly steps he made. False hope. Dangerous hope. The one that was set to fail.
He is alone now. Waiting. He hated it. Another of Lucius’s airheaded ideas. He sighed.
Hermione was sitting on the sofa, reading one of the law books, thick enough to measure same as she did in weight. The ritmical scratch of quill lulled him, shooting his nerves. The door opened and Lucius hobbled in. Hermione jerked her head, put away her quill and parchments, marked the page and stood up heading to the door.
“I’ll be in the library, Misty can get me when Mr Malfoy leave.” She told him.
“No need Miss Granger. In fact, I’d appreciate if you stay. After all, this concerns you too.”
His ears perk up. Lucius had a plan.
Lucius made his slow walk to his bed and sat on it, biting the groan. He could see the fog of pain in pale-blue eyes. Hermione was standing indecisively on the door.
“Close the door and sit down Miss… Hermione.” He barked a harsh tone.
The girls obeyed him tentatively. He could see her clutching her wand in her pocket. He couldn’t blame her, she didn’t know Lucius like he did. It wasn’t physical attack she should be afraid of. Dueling, even if proficient at it, was always beneath Lucius.
Lucius, on the other hand, was holding a stack of parchments in his free hand, and now he was sifting through them. He was waiting for the girl to sit on the sofa. He didn't even glance at her direction. Finally, Lucius raised his head and looked at him.
“Is Miss Granger still acts in the capacity of your secretary?”
“It should.” He replied hiding his confusion. “I did not seek another one, and given that she still has permission to use my given name… Even if she neglects her duties as of lately.”
“I do not!”
“Fine.” Lucius cut her off. “I arranged for few visitors. Given that Miss Granger will take care of their admission and times I’ll leave her all necessary papers.”
He frowned. Visitors? What visitors? What was he up to now?
“Miss Granger, if you will.”
Lucius had a cold and detached voice, the one he often used in negotiations. The one that spoke volumes about his superiority. Hermione stood up and approached Lucius carefully like she’s approaching dangerous wild beast.
“Hurry up girl, I don’t have the whole day.” Barked Lucius at her and shoved papers in her hand “You will contact these individuals and arrange their audience. I’d suggest one at the time, no more than two visitors per day. And whatever you do – I would avoid for these two individuals to meet, even by chance. If they do… Well,” Lucius cleaned his nails against his chest with the dispassionate look. “If they do meet, I fully expect from you to protect Severus or die trying.”
“Why would you wanted to allow individuals who want to hurt him to visit him in the first place?” She hissed at Lucius
“You misunderstood me, Miss Granger. Neither of them has anything against Severus. Their dispute is among themselves. They might unintentionally harm Severus while… resolving that… dispute… And I do not want to see him caught in a crossfire.”
“Right. In that case, I’ll take care of everything. Am I free to go?”
“No need, I just wanted to solve this. I have other matters to attend to.” Lucius dismissed Hermione appeared equally eager to scamper off. Lucius turned to him. “I respect your wishes, I do hope you will appreciate this.”
“Lucius…” His brain worked fast but still couldn’t come up with ample solution or full realisation
“I do have important letters to send. I’ll see you this afternoon Severus.” With that Lucius struggled a bit to stand and then slowly walked out.
Hermione was studying the papers Lucius gave her. When he was out of the room she bolted. He could hear them in a hallway.
“Mr Malfoy, thank you.”
“What for, Miss Granger?”
“For… this… for what you are doing for…”
“He is family, Miss Granger. Now, do your job.”
That was almost two weeks ago. Now, he was waiting. He didn’t know who his visitor would be, neither Lucius nor Hermione were forthcoming in sharing the names from the list. The girl went above and beyond to make him look presentable and that irked him.
He directed his eyes to clear cheery summer sky. The cheerful weather mocked him.
The door clicked and the voice he most definitely didn’t want to hear squeaked in fake accentuation.
“Severus! I didn’t see you in ages!”
He bit out the groan.
~ S ~ S ~ S ~
They were in the library. He was still digging through the books about cruchiatus compiling information. Granger had her nose in a law book when a wave of pulsating energy shook the walls. They raised their eyes and looked at each other.
Without a single word, they just jumped and dashed running through the meandering corridors. Tripped over the stairs. And barged into Severus’s room. The sight that found them left them frozen.
Draco tightened his grip on his wand. It wasn’t smart. No one in his or hers right mind didn’t draw his or hers wand at Severus. Even aunt Bella, insane as she was, wasn’t crazy enough to do that. But, his father had to be at the Ministry today, mother decided to accompany him. Draco didn’t like the prospect of having to fight Severus but… having enraged Severus sending waves of wild magic wasn’t good either. If situation don’t calm he will be forced to… he gulped.
Granger was still and unmoving. Her eyes huge and unblinking. She didn’t look like someone who would be able to help.
“Novelty Muggle fashion.” He groused horrified with realisation.
~ S ~ S ~ S ~
She was frozen with sight.
Severus was lying on the bed. His right hand outstretched and curled around females neck. His grip couldn’t be strong and she could get out at will, but it appeared that the poor girl was scared motionless. She could see a smear of bright red on his cheek, above the lip.
Was she tried to hurt him? Or did she try to kiss him? It looks like lipstick.
Her brain tried to work out that puzzle rendering her unable to move or avert her eyes. Her chest felt tight and air in the room nonexistent. The entire scene was like a Muggle picture. Stopped in time.
Draco mumbled ‘Novelty Muggle fashion’ and that snapped her to the motion. She took her wand and stepped towards the bed.
“Miss, you violated the rules in addressing Lord Prince. I have to ask you to leave.”
Severus’s hand loosened his grip and fell to the bed. The girl whimpered and run out of the room. He still had that stony expression. His voice weighed a ton when he rasped.
“Draco, leave. Now.”
Malfoy managed to pull off marvelous disappearing act, without much as a backwards glance, leaving her with Severus. Severus who was still vibrating from magical outburst and anger.
“Miss… Hermione, if you want to act in the capacity of my secretary, I expect you to do so.” His eyes full of undiluted rage turned to her. His voice bit her like ice. “I expect you never to leave me alone, ever again, alone!, with those harpies. If you do, you better run and hide. I assure you, I am not Lucius. I will retaliate. Did. I. Made. Myself. Clear?”
“Y…yes.” She sighed. How is he going to find love if I linger in the room?
~ S ~ S ~ S ~
Nothing has changed. Everything changed. Few more days passed. His and hers nights plagued with nightmares. Few more girls came and went. He was polite and distant towards all. She started to worry. She would sit through every visit, trying her best to be invisible.
She hated it!
All of them. All the girls, pure blooded ‘ladies’, empty-headed and frivolous. Not one of them could even spark his interest. Not even for a second. How is he to find if not love at least someone like that. What is stopping him?
His memories got caught in a strange interloop, shifting between very obvious dreams and nightmareish memory with Bellatrix. It backfired in a most unexpected way drawing out more of her own memories with Ron. Driving her insane. Causing her a headache. She would wake up each time with desire to cry or scream. He wasn’t any better when he dreamt… remembered... They were like two insects, caught in the spider web.
And those girls!
What was Mr Malfoy thinking?! She hated every single one of them. They talked about gossips and fashion. About new stores in Diagon Alley. Didn’t they know with whom they were talking to? That was Severus Snape in Merlin’s name! She thought she will start screaming if she has to sit through another empty chatter. She presumed he wasn’t much better either.
He was sleeping now, and for once he had a good time. Well, obviously he had a good time. In fact, he could simmer it down a bit if someone asked her. Nobody asked her anything. She nearly jumped at the sound of his voice.
“I’d appreciate some privacy.”
“I have to take a shower anyway.” She mumbled not even looking at his direction.
Still not looking she flicked her wand at him when she was at the bathroom door. Once she was in the sanctity of the bathroom her wayward thoughts continued.
Why can’t he think of those… those in that manner. I hope he doesn't dream about her. I don’t think so, he looks different when he dreams about her. And then he calls her name.
She disrobed, moving like in a dream, still lost in her thoughts.
At least he has something nice to dream about. Not like me. Not like me! She moaned clutching her head. She would sell her soul to erase those memories from her head. To erase her experience with Ron. She was tortured by those memories to the point of insanity.
Bellatrix! Same as me! Maybe that is the problem.
The thought formed in her head. Crazy, insane even. But, she was there already. Insanity in the form and shape of Ron followed her around like a rainy cloud. If she could… She can... She has to... She moved spurred by the thought. By the idea. Solution! The solution for both of them!
With sudden determination, she launched herself from the bathroom floor pulling a long oversized T-shirt over her naked form.
No more. No more.
She opened the door and stepped into the room.
“No!”
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Torment *Completed*

Torment Completed