Feelin' Love

Disclaimer: Still not mine.

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Chapter XII

Feelin' Love

After a restless night's sleep, Hermione woke up just as the first light broke through. Shaking off her tiredness and irritation at Ron in the shower, she made her way to the kitchen.

"Morning," Charlie greeted her cheerfully.

"Morning." Hermione yawned. "Got any coffee?"

Charlie snorted with amusement. "I see you've adopted Severus' habit."

Hermione blushed. "Actually, it's just something we have in common. I've liked coffee for a long time," she said in defense.

Charlie chuckled. "How are you getting on these days?"

"Well enough," Hermione said evasively. She found that while she was comfortable enough to talk about her feelings for Severus with Parvati, discussing it with a member of the Weasley family was a different matter.

The young witch, however, learned that Charlie was highly perceptive, unlike his youngest brother. "I'd been wondering how long it would take the two of you to get together. I've a feeling you'll make each other happy." His smile turned into a grin when she squirmed. "Aw, it's okay, Hermione. I can keep a secret, you know."

Hermione sighed. "It's not a secret. It's just so new to me, and I'm not sure I'm ready to discuss it with anyone."

"Discuss what?" Ron had entered the kitchen.

"Nothing of your business, little bro," Charlie said.

"I wasn't asking you," Ron said and threw a questioning glance at Hermione.

The young witch shrugged dismissively. Ron was the last person she wanted to discuss anything with, least of all her love interest.

Ron approached her, once again too close for her comfort, and she stepped back. "But, Hermione, we used to go out together. Why won't you tell me?" he asked, a hint of whine in his voice.

"The emphasis being on used to, as in the past," Hermione drawled, sounding to herself as if Severus was speaking through her. She abruptly put her now empty mug down and left the kitchen, glancing apologetically at Charlie.

* * *

By lunchtime, all the inhabitants of the healing sanctuary knew how to brew Orgonite and were fairly proficient with the love power exercise. Whilst none of them could yet cast any spells, Hermione noticed a rise in magic when she levitated a leaf from the ground.

"Now, let's go out and search for telecommunication towers near the house. Once we find them and bury Orgonite nearby, we should have the magic back here within a few days."

Madam Sprout, Professor Sprout's Squib sister, who was running the healing sanctuary, stayed behind in case anyone turned up in need of healing, but all others were keen to learn another step towards regaining the magic.

Hermione did not have to go far before the first tower came into sight, even though this one was more hidden than the ones she had found with Severus near Spinner's End, right in the midst of a forest.

Charlie bent down close to a pillar and loosened the earth.

"Charlie, wait," Hermione cautioned him. "They usually have hidden cameras installed. Let's find those first so we can bury the Orgonite without them seeing it." She looked at the others. "And don't forget, if anyone turns up, start the love power exercise immediately."

Hermione glanced up the tower post, searching for cameras. Once she had spotted them, she motioned for Charlie to move out of the cameras' sight to bury the Orgonite. Her magic was considerably weaker in close vicinity of the tower, and she did not dare to magically tweak the cameras for fear of failure.

They had gifted three towers within close vicinity of the healing sanctuary by the time they returned.

"And you think disabling those rays with Orgonite will give us the magic back?" Professor Sprout did not sound convinced.

"It worked for us," said Hermione. "I don't see why it wouldn't work here. There is still a lot I don't know or understand, as I'm not yet familiar with the way cosmic energy works, but the main thing is to regain the magic, and this has been working just fine."

By the following evening, everyone managed simple spells.

Each day, Hermione thought more of Severus, and each day, she missed him more. She wondered if he was feeling the same way as she longingly thought back to the last night at Spinner's End in his arms.

Three days after gifting the towers with Orgonite, Hedwig arrived, carrying a letter for Hermione.

Molly's eyes shone brightly as she fed Hedwig some treats. "I'd not dared dream of seeing owls delivering mail again, and Hedwig at that! I wonder if she misses Harry." Tears were now streaming down her cheeks.

"I think Hedwig is happy in Severus' garden and in the company of Fawkes and other magical creatures," Hermione said quietly. "Harry would want her to be free like that, I'm sure, even though it's in Severus's garden." Harry was gone, but the fact that Hedwig chose to live in Severus' back garden brought her some level of solace.

"You're right, of course," Molly replied, wiping tears off impatiently. "At least things are finally looking up. Without the magic, everything looked so gloomy. And all the death announcements in The Quibbler don't help either."

"They don't help to keep our spirits up, but I think they help insofar that wizards and witches will do their bit to get the magic back. In fact, I'd like you to write to The Quibbler as soon as the magic is back in full force here. Describe what we did to regain it.... It will inspire others," Hermione said.

Relieved that Molly had calmed down again, Hermione turned her attention to the letter in her hand and smiled as she recognised Severus' writing.

Hermione,

Severus

Hermione smiled, both at the good news and the fact that he was missing her.

"You look happy," Ron muttered, frowning.

Hermione looked up. She had not heard him enter the room.

"Maybe I am," Hermione said, even more sharply than intended.

"What, good news?" Ron asked curiously, and before Hermione could react, he had grabbed hold of the parchment, skimming it eagerly.

"How dare you?" Hermione asked angrily, attempting to take the letter back.

Ron looked at her, an expression of disgust on his face. "You... you... you traitor! The wizarding world is in shambles, people are killing themselves left, right and centre, and all you can do is get laid by that criminal! I don't believe it! How stupid was I to fall for you? You're no less a traitor than that ugly git!"

"That's quite enough, bro!"

Hermione breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of Charlie.

"You have absolutely no right to speak like that to anyone! I really thought you'd have more brains than that, Ron." Charlie shook his head in annoyance and turned to Hermione. "Sorry, Hermione. Mad-Eye must have taken my brother's brain out. He never used to be such a stupid prat."

"Thanks Charlie," Hermione replied. Turning to Ron, she hissed, "Ron, just leave me alone. I really don't want to talk to you."

Hermione took a deep breath and addressed Charlie. "I'll leave as soon as... In fact, Charlie, could I arrange with you to let me know how the magic changes here? I'll send an owl in a few days, and you can send it to William. I really have no reason for staying here."

She had enough of Ron. The sooner she did not share any space with him the better.

"Hang on, Hermione. Ron, get out. You heard her, she doesn't want to talk to you, and nor do I for now," Charlie said.

Ron made for the door. Before he exited, he turned around, his face full of anger and disgust. "I'll make sure that bastard gets his justice! I hope the Ministry will arrange a Dementor's Kiss for him," he spat.

"I so don't need this," Hermione muttered. Ron's last outburst had shaken her. She was not used to the level of hate he had emitted... At Spinner's End, hate was entirely absent.

"I'd love for you to stay longer, but I understand if you leave. I do apologise for Ron's behaviour―he's being a complete and utter prat," said Charlie.

Hermione nodded. "I'd love to stay, Charlie, and chat with you, and Neville, and everyone else. But I don't think it's a good idea to be under the same roof as Ron right now. I'll leave after lunch, though. That way I can say good-bye to the others."

Charlie and Hermione spent the remainder of the morning chatting. Hermione gave him William's address and promised to send an owl in the next few days so Charlie could let her know about the progress.

* * *

Hermione arrived back at Spinner's End after lunch, her stomach lurching in anticipation of seeing Severus. She was looking forward to seeing him again, but at the same time, she feared he might have changed his mind. Don't be daft! He even wrote to you!

As soon as the young witch entered the house, she heard him playing the piano. She smiled and tip-toed into the living-room, so he would not be disturbed, and quietly sat down to listen.

Severus completed playing Beethoven's Appassionata and turned around to face her. "Enjoyed?" He smirked.

"Yes. It's so peaceful here. I'm glad I'm back," Hermione said.

Severus stood up and moved towards her. "I didn't expect you so soon. What happened? You look stressed."

Hermione snorted. "Ron happened."

Severus paled. "What do you mean, Ron happened?" He sounded weary. "Did you just return to collect your belongings?"

Hermione's eyes widened. He couldn't possibly think that. She laughed at the thought. "Oh, Severus, for someone so intelligent you can be pretty thick at times! I came back because Ron was a complete prat, and I decided I can have a much better time here, with you!" Then she added softly, "I missed you. I missed being in your arms, I missed talking with you...heck, I even missed your sarcasm!"

Severus looked at her as if not entirely certain whether or not to believe her.

"Severus?"

He was at her side in an instant. "Well, we'll just have to make up for lost time, won't we..."

His low, silky voice made her tremble, and when her eyes met his, the gleam she saw promised further undoing.

Severus' lips met hers, at first hesitantly, but more insistently when she offered no resistance. His tongue gently tasted her lower lip until she required a taste and darted her tongue out to sample his lips. They felt much fuller than they looked.

Their tongues met, demanding to further explore, taste and feel, not only of lips but also more than the mere tip of the other's tongue.

He tasted... good. She detected some lingering coffee from his after lunch brew. She noticed his unique scent in his taste, one whispering of wild meadows on a summer day. While her hand wove through his hair, she noted with a blurred mind that at least it didn't feel greasy.

A commotion from the kitchen forced Hermione and Severus to step apart from each other and focus their attention on something else.

"Not fair," muttered Hermione.

"Quite true," Severus agreed. "I should have followed my hunch and taken you to my bedroom," he added blandly, making her shudder in anticipation.

"And what exactly caused you to disturb our scientific exploration?" Severus frowned at Parvati and Draco, who were standing in the kitchen.

Parvati shot him an amused glance. "We're done brewing for the day, and Draco wanted to learn the art of Indian cuisine.

"And besides, Severus, it's called snogging," she said and laughed at his astounded expression.

* * *

Dinner was lively. William had just returned from Mr Lovegood and came by to report further progress, as often, in time for dinner.

Hermione told the others of the contacts the Sprout Healing Sanctuary had made with others from the wizarding world.

"We're really making progress, that's wonderful," William said happily.

"Yes," said Severus. "I think I'll have to start working on my defence soon. The way the magic is coming back, there'll be Aurors swarming about in no time." He looked pointedly at Dumbledore's portrait.

The Headmaster smiled. "Anytime you like, Severus, I'll work with you on it. I won't let your arrest happen for something I made you do."

Hermione and Kingsley cleared the table and magically restored the kitchen ready for the next cooking session while Parvati and Draco took out glasses and poured the Côtes du Lubéron Severus had Summoned from the cellar.

Hermione was appreciatively sipping the red wine when she was overcome with a feeling of deep content. Greetings, Red Cloud, she thought.

The spirit guide chuckled. "Gryffindor, your perception has grown in leaps and bounds. Even my charge didn't notice me."

"Greetings, Red Cloud. Forgive me, I've been preoccupied."

"The pleasures of scientific exploration often lead to preoccupation," said Red Cloud, evoking laughter from everyone present.

"I have come to you to put a suggestion before you.

"Once the magic is restored in the capital, the Ministry of Magic will start actively looking for you, dark man, and you may have to remain in hiding here until we can be certain the judges grant you a non-guilty status.

"Therefore, the next important step is to restore the magic at the castle school, so magical children will not lose out on education.

"I will leave you now to consider my words if you have no questions."

After a short silence, Severus said, "Thank you. We shall discuss it."

Red Cloud's presence dissipated slowly, leaving everyone to ponder his suggestion.

"I think it's a great idea," Hermione said eventually. "Once the school is restored, we can put notices in The Quibbler, and we'll have the school open even before the magic returns everywhere, even if we start with just a handful of children."

"I love the idea, if you don't mind me saying so," Albus said.

"I don't know if I can face Hogwarts," Draco said quietly.

"You can stay here," Kingsley said. "We have enough brewing to do to keep us busy for quite a while. I'd suggest Severus and Hermione go and the rest of us stay behind. That way, we won't lose any business, and we can keep an eye on the magic."

Severus looked questioningly at Hermione, and she smiled at him. Spending a few days with Severus alone sounded heavenly. "It's a great idea," she said. "When do you want to leave?"

"We need to brew lots of Orgonite. How about doing that over the next couple of days, and then we'll go?" asked Severus.

"Why don't you start brewing now?" Draco asked, an uncharacteristically mischievous gleam showing in his eyes. "The sooner you start, the sooner you can gift Hogwarts."

"Because, young man," drawled Severus, "I have more important things to do."

Turning to Hermione, he said with a silken voice that ignited something somewhere deep inside of her, "Do you feel too you've had enough of these people's company for today? I certainly feel that way."

Hermione nodded mutely, words failing her completely.

Severus stretched out his hand towards her, and she took it, allowing him to pull her up. Not a care in the world that everyone at Spinner's End knew exactly what important things Severus had to do, she followed him happily.

* * *

Waking up in his arms had been wonderful, but waking up naked, spooned against him, his arm possessively wrapped around her waist, his erection pressing firmly against her back, felt exquisite.

Making love with Ron had made her wonder more than once what she'd been doing wrong.

Making love with Severus left her at the same time sated and wanting. Wanting to feel his touch again, wanting to feel him inside her again, wanting simply more of him.

They started the day leisurely and only left the bedroom when the brewing required attention or when the need for food became prevalent.

Two days later, Hermione and Severus had produced sufficient amounts of Orgonite to gift Hogsmeade and Hogwarts.

Not knowing how long they would be gone from Spinner's End, Hermione stepped out in the garden and asked Hedwig to go the Sprout Sanctuary and wait there for Charlie to send a note.

Before she turned back inside, Fawkes swooped down on her and nestled on her shoulder, startling her.

Severus laughed when she entered the room. "Found yourself a new friend, love?"

Hermione glared at him. "He just decided to settle on my shoulder," she muttered, unused to the sensation. He felt surprisingly light for his size, but his red and gold plumage at the corner of her eyes took some getting used to.

"Phoenixes are not only magical birds but intelligent ones too. He knows what he's doing, Hermione," Severus said soothingly.

Hermione sighed. "Alright, we'll take him along."

They Apparated to the edge of Braemar Forest and walked into the village where Severus had booked a hotel room.

"I'd certainly look twice at someone carrying a bird the size and colour of Fawkes," muttered Hermione. "People are pretty ignorant here!"

Severus chuckled. "Can you feel any magic here apart from ours?"

Hermione stopped in her tracks. "No. There isn't any." Then it dawned on her. "Oh! No-one can see Fawkes!"

"Exactly. Miss Know-it-all figured it out as usual," Severus said sardonically, and they continued their walk to the hotel.

Later on, the couple Apparated to nearby Hogsmeade, which looked like a long-abandoned village with houses in various states of ruin and gardens overgrown with weeds.

Hermione looked around, saddened at the devastation before her. The sadness was quickly replaced with anger, however, as she counted the number of telecommunication towers in plain sight. "Merlin, look at these! No wonder there's no trace of magic here!"

"Hm, let's get to work then. I've never seen that many towers in such a small place," said Severus.

The next few hours passed with burying Orgonite around the many towers surrounding Hogsmeade.

"Phew! That was quite some task," said Hermione as she covered the muffin with some earth.

"It was," Severus agreed. "The thought of what may await us around Hogwarts makes me shudder. Let's go back to the hotel now and deal with Hogwarts in the morning."

Hand in hand, Hermione and Severus Apparated back to their hotel room in Braemar and were greeted with a dolefully haunting and yet beautiful melody by Fawkes. The phoenix startled them both when, at the end of his performance, he disappeared in a ball of fire.

"I have a feeling he's laying the groundwork for us," muttered Severus. "No matter. We'll find out tomorrow. Let's get dinner and then have an early night. I have a feeling tomorrow will be a long day."

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A/N

As always, grateful thanks to Notsosaintly for rearranging commas and picking up weird spellings.