Chapter 18: Healing

Severus settled back against the pillows and held Hermione. Even in her sleep, he could feel her body trembling. It broke his heart, and he pulled her tightly to him and felt her relax a bit more.

"Severus," she whispered, gripping his arms tightly.

"Hermione, you're safe now. As soon as you want, we can take you out of here," he whispered to her as he kissed the top of her head.

"Sleep... forget." She slipped into sleep, and her body slumped against him. But it was only minutes before she began to twitch, and she screamed, bolting up in his arms to stare around wildly. "Severus!"

"I'm right here, Hermione," he whispered to her. "I've got you."

The door flew open, and Paxton and June rushed in. Hermione had miraculously fallen back to sleep.

"She had a nightmare," Severus explained and watched as they relaxed. "I am thinking it might be best to take her to Hogwarts as soon as possible. She always seems to be able to relax there, and I will have my potions at hand should they be needed."

Paxton said, "We hoped you might bring her to our home again."

"I'm afraid she would not do well there for now because that is the site of her abduction," Severus explained.

June said, "Of course, you're right. We just want to be there for her."

"I could ask the headmistress if you could stay at Hogwarts for a few days," Severus ventured.

June's eyes got big. "Do you think it's possible? We've always wanted to see the school where Hermione spent so many years."

"I will ask, and we will know soon," Severus told the couple. He knew it was not policy to let Muggles into Hogwarts, but he thought Minerva might make an exception under the circumstances.

As the Grangers turned to leave the room, there was a knock at the door. Harry stuck his head in and said, "The apartment has been returned to normal. That guy was pretty..."

Severus hissed, "Shhhh..." His glare spoke volumes, and he shook his head.

Harry looked down at Hermione and remembered that she didn't know Alan had messed the place up.

Severus said in a hushed voice, "Harry, I asked Remus to tell Headmistress McGonagall what happened. Can you ask Minerva if Hermione's parents can accompany us to the castle and stay for a few days or more? I don't want to take Hermione anywhere he was until I know how she will be once she's rested.

Harry nodded, his face full of worry. "I will go immediately. I've got to tell you, Severus, that bastard had a few more bruises by the time he got to the Azkaban infirmary."

Severus smiled. "If I had taken him, he would be dead. For Hermione's sake he needs to pay, and that place will make him pay. And it won't take me from her either. Harry, you have no idea how much I love this woman." His arms tightened around her.

"I can see that, sir." He turned away and said, "I'll go now and talk to Minerva."

Severus nodded and relaxed again, holding Hermione. He looked into her face and found she was smiling at him. It was a weary sort of smile...but no less a smile.

"I love you, too, Severus." She sat up, basically climbing into his lap, and kissed him. Then she buried her face in his neck, and he felt more warm tears on his skin. "The potion worked." She sighed.

"Yes, my love, it did," he agreed.

"But it's gone, isn't it? What if you need it?"

"Hermione, I've already had my miracle...two, in fact. I survived the war, and I found love with you. I think it was your turn. You being alive is as much a miracle to me as it is for you. Without you, there is no life for me." He stroked her hair.

She nodded and didn't speak. She just burrowed harder against him as if she wanted to hide in his very skin.

"What can I do for you, my love? Tell me how to help. It breaks my heart to see my beautiful girl so hurt." He felt tears sting his eyes. She clung to him like she'd never let go.

At least she's not pushing me away, he though ruefully. In the past, he would have taken Alan to the forest and flayed him alive. The idea now turned his stomach. Damn his hide. It's my fault. I should have recognized that scent. How had he gotten past Hermione's wards?

"You're doing it. Just hold me. Don't let me go for now. Let me take the initiative in touching. I don't know if I might be sensitive if you reach out. Severus, if I cringe, know it's not because I don't want you or love you. I need time."

"I understand," he said, but he knew it would hurt when she did pull away.

"I need to get out of here," she said. "I know you're all here. I know he's gone, but this place reeks of him."

Severus got out from under her and picked her up. He spelled a blanket to wrap around her. "We will go to Hogwarts. I don't think that your place or your parents' place would be a good idea right now."

Hermione held tightly to his neck. "I don't want to go back to my place ever, Severus. I need to be with you. But school..." She left that unfinished.

"We will get it worked out. I think that Kinsley can help us. Let's not think about it now. We have a couple of weeks to figure it all out."

"I need my parents still, Severus," she whimpered.

"I know, Hermione. I have sent Harry to ask that they be allowed to come with us to Hogwarts for a few days." He spelled the door open and walked into the hall. Ron and Tonks came to the kitchen door.

Severus said, "I am going to take Hermione to Hogwarts. Can you wait with the Grangers? When Harry comes back, can you escort them to Hogwarts? I have no doubt that Minerva will say yes."

Tonks nodded and then reached out to caress Hermione's face. "You okay, honey?" she asked.

Hermione shook her head and said, "I will be. Severus is here for me, and he will get me through this."

Tonks stepped back as they entered the kitchen, and June and Paxton stood.

Severus told them again what he was doing, and they nodded. Her parents gave Hermione a kiss, and then Severus took hold of the Portkey, and they were gone.

When they landed, the gates of Hogwarts loomed before them. After dealing with the wards and the gate, Severus carried her up the long expanse of grass. It was covered in a few inches of powdered snow.

"It's beautiful here," Hermione said. "I always loved this place." She rested her cheek on his shoulder. Her body shivered.

"Are you cold?" he asked.

"No." She burrowed her face deeper into his hair. "I'm sorry."

Severus sighed. "Hermione, please don't apologize. I know it's going to take time for you to feel safe again."

He had been walking pretty fast, so they got to the great door fairly quickly. Minerva opened it immediately; her face was lined with concern. Severus carried Hermione into the hall, and the door clanged shut behind them. Hermione relaxed further, and he understood. She's always felt safe here. Those doors were a visual barrier between her and the outside world.

Minerva said, "Hermione, please let me know if you need anything. I have arranged for your parents to stay in a guest wing. Dobby will take good care of them and guide them to you. I will have the Floo connected to Severus' quarters so you can speak to them or they can come directly to you if they wish to."

Hermione felt a giggle rise and saw the surprise on both Severus' and Minerva's face.

"Sorry, I can't imagine them using the Floo."

Minerva said, "Well, we shall see. Severus, I know you can take care of Hermione, but I want you to take her to see Poppy." Her stern look told him no wasn't an option.

"Alright, we will go up now." He did concede he wasn't a trained medical professional. If there was anything more she could suggest, he was all for it.

Hermione said, "Let me walk. You can't carry me up all those steps."

"Nonsense, I am well capable." He was already breathing deeply and saw her glare.

"Alright, a bit of a hover charm then." He preformed the charm, and even though she was still holding him tightly, he could not feel more than a little pressure. He thought, as he carried her up the several flights of stairs, I need to start working out. I'm getting soft. But he knew his time with Hermione in bed on vacations wasn't something he would trade for any amount of fitness. He convinced himself that was exercise.

Minerva followed them up and opened the door to the infirmary.

Poppy came forward. "Miss Granger! Severus, put her on this bed and give me a few minutes to check her over."

Hermione clung to Severus. "Please, let him stay."

Poppy nodded and said, "Alright, Hermione. If that is what you need."

Minerva stood outside the enclosure and listened to Poppy.

"I understand that he did not complete his intentions."

Hermione had her eyes closed tightly. "No," she whispered. Still seeing Alan in her mind, she opened her eyes and fixed them on Severus' eyes.

"You had some deep bruising. No doubt Severus would have provided aid for you already, once he arrived there."

Severus nodded. "Virgo Curatio."

Poppy gasped, "Merlin, Severus." She didn't say anything else, but her face tinged a bright pink. "What was the injury it was used for?"

Severus ignored her reaction. "Her left lung was pierced by a knife." He watched as Poppy examined the healed flesh. Then she left them and came back in a few minutes with several potion vials. "Take this one now. It's only a vitamin supplement and something to give you some strength. Severus and you have both provided a potion I wish I could somehow copy. But alas is it only for special people such as yourselves apparently. She handed the vial to Severus, and he opened it and brought it to Hermione's lips. With a smirk, he watched her grimace at the taste.

"Severus, with all your knowledge, you can't figure out how to make these taste good," Hermione complained, nearly gagging.

"What would be the fun in that? Medicines are supposed to be for maladies...not something people want to take." He was pleased she was talking.

Poppy said, "Normally, I'd have you stay here for a few days. That one potion was only for the life-threatening wound or malady. You will still have the bruising and some pain to deal with. But under the circumstances, you would no doubt be more comfortable in a more secluded and controlled place. You can go to Severus' room, but I will come check you each day, and you are to Floo me if you need anything day or night." She took more vials from her apron pocket and gave them to Severus. "For pain, calming, and sleep."

Severus started to explain that he knew how to care for Hermione, but Poppy stopped him with an icy glare. "I am the medi-witch here in the castle. You have to accept my rules." She glared back at him.

He nodded, seeing the satisfaction in her eyes. He and Poppy had been through a lot together. She had nursed him more often than not, and he cared about her as more than just a friend. She had been like a substitute mother on occasion. She'd held his secrets. Just as Minerva had. He smirked at her and saw her smile.

"As you wish," he said. He didn't tell her he already had the same potions in his pockets.

Poppy asked, "Minerva, can you sit with Hermione for a moment? I need to give Severus her medication schedule."

Hermione's eyes told him she didn't believe Poppy, but she let go of Severus' hand and latched on to a surprised Minerva when she took his place at the bedside. "Hurry back," she said in a weak, scared voice.

"Hermione, I will only be a few feet away. I'll be right back."

Poppy motioned him a bit further and talked to him in a whisper. "She may need someone with her constantly for a while; don't leave her alone. She will have nightmares, maybe even sleeplessness. She might get angry or sad. Her moods could change quickly. She might fear loud noises or have panic attacks, and Severus, she might be sexually aggressive." Her cheeks pinked up, and he smirked. "She may have a need to have you with her to block out the pain of having dealt with this man touching her, hurting her. I'd advise you to go slowly. Do not take any initiative. Let her get what she needs, but don't push her away right now. It's best to go with it. If she stops, stop with her." She turned back.

Severus nodded. With his wand, he conjured a paper into being with the medication schedule and turned back to the enclosure.

He thanked Minerva and gathered Hermione into his arms. "May we use your Floo? I want to get Hermione tucked is as soon as possible."

Poppy said, "I know you have more of these potions in your quarters. If for some reason you need more..." She let that go, as she knew Severus would only make a fresh brew if he did need it. She also knew he wouldn't let Hermione use some of them for too long.

Severus turned to Minerva. "Will you bring Hermione's parents down when they have settled in? I know they will be anxious to see her."

Minerva said, "Of course, Severus." She reached up to squeeze one of Hermione's hands. "This is your home, Hermione. Feel free to stay as long as you wish."

Hermione, half asleep from all the activities, nodded. She turned her face to Severus' chest, and freash tears leaked out.

Severus saw the tears and carried her quickly to the Floo. Poppy tossed the Floo powder in, and he stepped through. "Potion master's quarters," he said.

He didn't even look around but carried her straight to the bedroom. He commanded the blankets to draw back and cast a warming charm on them. He laid her down, pulled out his wand, and changed her clothing to a soft sleeping gown. She cried his name, so he crawled into bed and pulled her close. She woke only minutes later, screaming again. He accioed the dreamless sleep and gave it to her. He watched for 20 minutes as she slept peacefully, and then he crawled out of bed. He quickly cleaned his quarters and tried to neaten the stacks of books that sat everywhere. He knew Hermione's parents would be arriving at any time.

No sooner was he finished then there was a knock at the door. He opened it and found Harry and Ron with the Grangers. He eyed the redhead in annoyance, not really understanding where the feeling came from. He'd been there for Hermione and quite polite to Severus himself. So he was careful not to show it.

"Please, Mr. and Mrs. Granger, and gentlemen, come in." He ushered them to the sitting area. "Hermione is asleep. I had to give her some dreamless sleep. She keeps having nightmares. I'm afraid it will keep her sleeping for hours."

June asked, "May I go see her a minute?"

"Of course. She's through that door." Hermione's mother hurried into the bedroom.

"Gentlemen, would you care for a drink? I have some Fire whiskey." He went to fetch some small goblets and measure out two fingers for each of them. He noted they all looked exhausted, worried and frazzled.

"To our brave Hermione," he said, swallowing the entire amount.

The men said, "Here, here!" Ron and Harry threw back their drinks while Paxton smelled his first and sipped it carefully, blinking his eyes against the sting.

"Wow, I guess that's an acquired taste. Good, but powerful." He wasn't sure he approved that they all seemed to be oblivious to its strength.

"It's a magical drink, Paxton. Each drinker can make it as strong or as weak as they wish. You expect it to be strong. Most people do because of its name. I have been drinking it for many years. It was necessary to dull the senses, on occasion, when I was a spy. With Hermione in my life, I seldom touch it anymore."

They sat, not really knowing what to say. Harry finally asked, "Will she be okay, sir?"

"Severus, Harry, no titles are necessary between us," he reminded the younger man. "I think, in time, once she realizes Alan is no longer a threat. I will do everything to assure her."

Ron said, "Thank you for alerting us all."

Severus said, "You're welcome, Mr. Weasley."

"Hermione needed us all," Severus continued. "If we'd had to go back to Australia, I would have had to have more help listening for her magic. Besides who would have gotten her parents here? I must thank Remus and Tonks again for their help." Severus ran his hand through his hair.

Paxton said, "You're exhausted. We can all come back tomorrow. Let me go give Hermione a kiss and fetch June." He excused himself and went to the next room. Harry and Ron stood. "Severus," Harry informed him, "we vanished the graffiti and tidied up the place a bit. There should be no sign that he was there. That man was really messed up. I can't imagine how he was able to hide it."

Severus said, "Hermione hadn't seen him in months, and we just assumed he'd gone on with his life. He appeared to be just a hormonal young man when I met him. I didn't sense the darkness at all." He berated himself. He should have seen it, felt something was amiss. Being around Hermione had given him tunnel vision. He could only see her.

Harry saw the signs of anger flash in the older wizard's eyes. "Severus, do not withdraw or lose yourself to anger now. If you do, you will lose her. I rather think he decided on the darkness after you saw him last. Throwing him out of Hermione's life was the best way to keep her safe. No one could have known the man had a twist in his soul back then."

Severus sighed, closing his eyes. "You're right. Anger has always kept me at arm's length. I will not do that to Hermione."

Both men were surprised when Ron said, "You are the man to keep her the safest, sir."

Severus regarded him a moment and then said, "Thank you, Ron. I will do my best."

Paxton and June came from the bedroom. Ron and Harry moved toward the door.

Harry said, "We will be back in a day or two to see Hermione. We are also scheduled to attend Alan's hearing in the meantime. I don't think they will need anyone else's testimony. You take care of Hermione, and we will take care of Alan. He will not see the outside of Azkaban for a very long time."

It best be never, Severus said to himself. He called, "Dobby."

The little house-elf appeared, and June gave an involuntary squeak.

Severus smiled and said, "Dobby, this is Mr. and Mrs. Granger. Please take them to the room you have prepared. You may answer their questions. Make sure they come down here for breakfast tomorrow morning."

"Sir, Ma'am, Dobby is pleased to meeting you. Please come following. I is taking you to your rooms."

Paxton had a delighted look on his face...as if he'd just woken from a fantasy and discovered it was real. He said, "Goodnight, Severus. Take care of our girl."

June nodded. Her eyes were still on the tiny elf.

Harry and Ron grinned at Severus and followed them out.

Severus sagged a bit. He took his outer jacket off and let it fall on the chair. He went to check on Hermione and found her sleeping deeply. He eyed the bathroom door and then went and took a quick, hot shower. She had not been the only one wanting to shed the smell of Alan's place. He put on his black pajama bottoms and nearly crawled in beside her. Then he thought better and added the pajama top. He drew her close, and she whimpered a bit, latching on to him.

He tried to sleep but exhaustion of mind and body wouldn't let him. He finally had to use an old calming technique to clear his mind and force himself to sleep.

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Lisa, thank you so much for your beta work. You are very much appreciated.