Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Harry sat next to Hermione as she trained her wand onto a mouse in the smaller cage. The mouse was still, its whiskers not even moving. The Inservio Spell had effectively taken every drop of soul right out of the mouse. Hermione was preparing to cast the reversal spell.

"Inservio Eripio!" she cried as she flicked her wand at the mouse. The mouse fell over... dead.

"Well, I suppose that's one way to be freed from enslavement," Harry quipped.

Hermione glared at him. "I don't think Severus would like it if we killed him in the process of trying to free him."

Harry glanced over at Snape. "I don't know. Anything would be better than how he is now."

Hermione went over to the table and rifled through her books. She turned the pages of one and studied the text. She turned her head toward Harry.

"It says that Eripio can be interchanged with the term Libertas in spells such as this one. We should try that."

She took out another Hollowed-out mouse. It was limp in her hand. Hermione frowned at its placid demeanor. She placed it in the cage and stood back.

"Inservio Libertas," she chanted.

The mouse curled up into a ball after the stream of orange light hit it. Hermione put her wand down and frowned at the small creature. She walked over to it and was examining it visually, trying to determine whether it was dead or just unconscious, when the mouse's head popped up. It began to sniff. Before long, the mouse was scurrying around in the cage, sniffing at everything.

"Severus, I think we've done it," she declared to him. She hoped he would be able to answer soon.

They had taken the rest of the day to experiment on the rest of the mice. Each one had been brought out of its robotic state without harm. Hermione told Harry that she would observe the mice overnight, to make sure there were no ill side-effects, then she would begin teaching Harry the spell.

All the mice had survived the night and were in good shape. Hermione felt it was time to use the spell on Severus. That evening, she taught it to Harry. He practiced it over and over again until he could utter it in his sleep. He worked with the mice until he was sure that his swishing and flicking were exactly what they should be.

"Let's do it," Harry said.

Hermione glanced over at Severus and then motioned for Harry to follow her into her room. She cast the Silencing Spell and sat down on the bed.

"I want you to take him to your flat and cast the spell on him," she told him.

"Why there?"

"I don't want to be present when he revives."

"Hermione, you've worked night and day to create this counter-spell. You should be there to see Snape revived."

"No, Harry. We don't know how he'll react to being back to himself. I don't want anything to be awkward or make him react in a way that would hurt him."

"I guess I can see your point. I'll Floo you when he's stable and ready for you to visit."

"I won't be visiting. He'll need some time to recuperate. If he wants to see me, he can Floo here." She looked tentatively down at her hands.

"Hermione, I'm sure he'll want to see you."

Hermione lifted her head proudly. "I'm not as sure as you are. I will be here if he wishes to speak with me. If he doesn't, I will abide by his wishes and leave him alone."

"Are you sure?" Harry asked.

"I am."

Harry hugged her. "I'm sorry, Hermione. I wish you'd fallen for someone easier."

She gave Harry a small grin. "It wouldn't be the same if I had, Harry."

She cancelled the wards, and Harry went back out and over to Snape. "Come with me, Snape," he instructed. The body of Severus Snape rose and followed Harry. Harry motioned for him to enter the fireplace and sent him through the Floo.

Turning to Hermione, Harry tried one last time. "Why don't you come with me? You can always leave if things aren't going well."

"No, Harry. It's best for me to stay here."

Harry nodded and stepped into the fireplace. "Wish me luck," he told her.

"Good luck, Harry," Hermione said as Harry threw Floo powder down and said his destination.

Hermione stood and stared at the fireplace for a long time. She marveled at the silence surrounding her. It was almost palpable. Even though Severus hadn't been able to talk, just his presence had dispelled the silence. Now, it enveloped her and pushed in, trying to suffocate her. She stumbled forward and put her hand on the mantle. She knew she'd never see Severus Snape again. He would avoid her at all costs. It had been too good to be true that she would get along with someone who actually stimulated her mind.

Her shoulders moved up and down as she breathed in heavily, trying to hold back her tears. At least she'd been able to help him. Umbridge hadn't gotten her vindictive claws on him. She'd found a cure for him. She fought to pull herself together. Straightening a bit, she squared her shoulders and stood tall.

I've done all I can. It's time to move on. There's plenty to keep me occupied in the future. I won't even have time to think of Severus Snape.

She knew she was kidding herself, but the thought gave her a little comfort. She went to her bedroom, settled in on the bed, and began to read.

Harry led Severus into the study in his house. There was lots of room there, in case the retransformation was a violent one.

"Stay still, Snape," Harry ordered. He grinned at his bad joke. "I'm going to cast the spell. It might knock you unconscious for a bit, or at least make you more immobile than you already are. Are you ready?"

Again, Harry chuckled. As if Snape could answer him! Lifting his wand, he pointed it at Severus' chest. The spell fell from his lips while a bright shot of orange hit Severus and sent him crumpling to the ground. Harry crossed his fingers as he rushed over to the other man's still frame. Severus had been knocked unconscious. Harry felt for a pulse and was relieved when it beat strongly under his fingers.

He waited patiently beside Snape's body. It seemed to be taking an awfully long time for Severus to regain consciousness. Harry felt his pulse once again. All seemed normal. He supposed that the differences between mice and human metabolic rates were affecting Severus' recovery. Finally, Severus began to writhe, but he didn't regain consciousness. His body shook involuntarily. Harry could only watch as the process took place. Soon, Severus' body stilled. Eventually, a low grumble came from him. Harry leaned over and watched as Snape turned slowly onto his back and rubbed his head. His eyes opened and Severus looked around. Startling Harry, he sat up quickly and searched the room.

"Where's Hermione?" he asked with trepidation.

"She's back at her flat," Harry explained.

"Why didn't she come?"

"She didn't want you to feel awkward."

Severus rose and went back to the fireplace. He stepped into it.

"Hey, wait," Harry called after him.

Severus looked at him expectantly.

"You know she cares about you... Don't say anything stupid."

Severus glared at him. "I don't intend to, Potter," he replied before throwing down the Floo powder and disappearing.

In an instant he'd emerged from Hermione's fireplace.

"Hermione?" he called.

Hermione's head snapped up from the book she was attempting to read. Her eyes widened as she recognized Severus' voice. Fear gripped her. She was ecstatic to hear his voice. That meant that he was recovered. Oh, why is he here? Has he come to berate me already for my infatuation?

There was a loud knocking on the door. "Hermione, are you in there?"

Hermione held the book to her and hugged it. "C... come in," she stammered.

The door swung open, and the most beautiful sight Hermione had ever seen stood in the doorway. Severus Snape, restored, was moving toward her. No longer was his face an empty mask. His eyes glowed with emotion. His mouth frowned at her. His pace wasn't hindered by the jerky movements his brainless body had exhibited. He was whole again... whole and standing right next to her bed.

"Have you gone mad?" he asked curtly.

"What do you mean?"

"Why weren't you with Potter? You worked on that spell for days, and you couldn't even find out if it worked?"

Hermione shifted uncomfortably. "I didn't want you to feel awkward."

Severus scowled, making Hermione want to crawl under the bed and disappear.

"Foolish woman," he scolded as he sat down on the bed. "Did it not occur to you that perhaps I'd be more upset by your absence?"

"No, that thought never crossed my mind, to tell you the truth."

"You never thought that maybe, I could have possibly grown fond of you in the short amount of time that we worked on my defense?" Severus asked.

Hermione scoffed. "That wouldn't happen."

Severus pulled her to him and kissed her fiercely. He pulled away and looked into her startled eyes. "I beg to differ. You are not the only one who berated themselves for falling for someone unattainable. Imagine my surprise when you admitted to Potter about how much you were attracted to me. For the first time in my life, I hoped. I hoped that you could release me from that hell. I hoped that I could convince you that my feelings for you were equal to yours. I hoped... that perhaps, we could find happiness together."

"That's impossible."

"Why is that impossible?"

"That would mean that something I actually wanted, came to be." Hermione gazed into his eyes. She was caught up in their emotion. Just an hour ago they'd been lifeless; now, they seemed to be on fire. "I'm glad you're back," she whispered.

Severus took his hand and ran his fingers along her cheek. "It would be useless for me to come back if you weren't there. I'm here for you."

"Please, Severus, don't toy with me."

"You told Potter you cared for me, was that a lie."

Hermione grasped Severus' hand and pulled it down. "No, Severus, I wasn't lying. I just don't expect you to fall all over me simply because I am attracted to you."

"Why are you being so difficult about this? I am attracted to you also."

Hermione withdrew from him and went to the window. She folded her arms in front of her as she gazed out on the sunny, blue day. Everything outside was cheery, belying the turmoil that was swirling through her at the moment. This couldn't be real. Severus Snape wasn't here, telling her exactly what she wanted to hear. It was all too perfect to be true.

"You've changed your mind," Severus said stiffly. "You came to your senses and realized just who you'd fallen for." He sighed. "I understand. I won't bother you again."

She wheeled around, to see him headed out of the room. "Severus, stop!" she cried after him.

He stopped, but didn't turn to her.

"What do you feel for me?" she asked.

"Please, Hermione, I have come here and embarrassed myself. Just leave it alone."

"I've never wanted someone the way I want you," she confessed. "It fills my soul. This can't just be a lark. I don't want a quick fling. I don't want you to be with me just because I am attracted to you, thinking that it will be something short term. If you hope to have something with me, it has to be something long-lasting."

Severus turned and looked at her grimly. "You truly would want a long-lasting relationship with me?"

Hermione nodded.

"Then I am by far the most fortunate wizard alive, for that is what I would want from you also." He walked over to her and once again caressed her face.

"I have longed to be able to touch you this whole time while I was under that spell. I wanted to hold you and tell you that I appreciated everything you did. I wanted you to know that I felt the same way you did." His voice took on a tone filled with irony. "But that damned curse kept me from being able to say anything. I prayed that it wouldn't take long for you to release me... that you would still care for me when you did. When you didn't come with Potter, I supposed that you'd already gotten over your crush. I feared that I'd lost."

Hermione closed her eyes as he continued to caress her face. She leaned into his hand and looked up at him. His lips were slightly parted. His gaze held her eyes, and she saw his raw emotions as he looked down at her. Realization hit her then. He meant every single word.

Her hand snaked up, and she caressed his face as well, pushing some of his hair back, so she could see him better.

"You really want this?" she whispered.

He smirked at her. "More than anything."

She was caught up in his eyes again. He was coming closer.

"This is much more than a crush, Severus."

"I was hoping you would say that," Severus admitted before crushing her mouth against his.

Their lips moved together as their hands pulled each other closer. Hermione's heart filled with joy. She was amazed that a man like Severus Snape could lower his barriers and find it in his heart to care for her. His lips begged for her. His arms encircled her back and embraced her possessively. Hermione treasured every minute. If this was what it was like to be loved by Severus Snape, then she never wanted him to let her go. Her arms came around him and her hand moved into his hair. She grasped it and ran it through her fingers as their kisses became more passionate.

Severus' hand came up to her face, and he cradled her cheek in it. Pulling back slightly, he gazed into her eyes once again. Hermione's breath caught within her again.

"You are truly exquisite," he murmured.

Hermione smiled at him. Suddenly, she came back to reality, realizing that it had only been a short while since he'd been freed from that horrid spell. Her hand came up to his arm, and she squeezed it.

"Are you feeling all right after being trapped within yourself for so long?" she asked him.

He smirked. "You're always so worried about my well-being," he retorted, but his face suddenly looked drawn.

"Come and sit down, Severus. I'm sure the counter-spell must have been taxing on you."

Hermione led Severus over to her bed. They both sat down on the edge of it. Hermione looked at Severus and pushed his hair behind his ears.

"You look pale. Is there something I can get you?"

Severus frowned. "In my eagerness to see you, I did not take the time to recuperate that I should have."

"I'm sorry, Severus. It's my fault. Do you need a Strengthening Solution or anything like that?"

Severus looked up at her. "That would be most welcome."

Hermione got up and went into her bathroom. Soon she'd returned with a small vial. Severus downed the potion. In an instant, his coloring improved. He smirked at Hermione and thanked her.

"What do we do now?" Hermione asked.

"What do you mean?" Severus questioned back.

"There's the problem of the Ministry thinking you've been turned into a zombie, and Dumbledore is still missing."

Severus narrowed his eyes and thought. He drummed his fingers on his leg. "Potter said that when he questioned Umbridge, she mentioned working with someone else."

Hermione nodded her head.

"Was it the man who cast the spell?"

"Yes, it was."

"I know who he is. Despite his being Polyjuiced, I recognized his voice."

Hermione's eyes widened. "Who is it, Severus?"

"It's Rodolphus Lestrange."

Hermione's mouth fell open as she gaped at Severus. "I hadn't realized he was so adept at magic. To create that spell and the potion that swayed the Wizengamot. I would have never suspected he could do such things."

"He is satisfactory at potion making. His love of the Dark Arts made him an expert spell caster. I believe he was one of the best among the Death Eaters. He studied and worked very hard to impress the Dark Lord. He augmented the Cruciatus curse that he and Bellatrix shot at the Longbottoms. That's why they have never been able to be cured. I suppose it could be considered a precursor to this new Hollowing Spell."

"But insanity has always been a possible outcome of the Cruciatus."

Severus glanced over at her. "Yes, but in most cases, the victims can be cured, or at least recover enough to lead a normal life. In the Longbottoms' cases, neither were able to be helped in any way. There was no relief of symptoms; they just continue to be oblivious to most of what goes on around them."

Hermione shook her head at the thought of such ruthlessness in one person. "Won't Umbridge be surprised to know she's thrown her lot in with a Death Eater?"

Severus smirked. "I think there's more to this vendetta than he's letting on. There was something in his voice after he cast the spell on me. He's hiding something."

"Maybe I should call Harry through," Hermione said as she began to rise from the bed.

Severus pulled her back. His face closed in on hers before he kissed her again. Hermione forgot all else as his lips claimed her. When he pulled away, Hermione was dazed and breathless.

"Now you may get Potter," Severus commanded with a smirk on his lips.

Hermione's eyes lingered on Severus' lips. "You would have to ruin the moment by mentioning Harry." She ran a finger around his lips and then kissed him again before rising and leaving the bedroom. She went to the fireplace and threw some Floo powder into it. Soon, Severus emerged from the bedroom and saw Harry stepping through the Floo. The younger man gave the couple curious looks.

"Is everything all right?" he asked Hermione.

"Everything has worked itself out," Hermione explained while blushing prettily.

Severus approached her from behind and laid his hands on her shoulders. "No snide remarks, Potter, all right?"

Harry stared at the small show of affection, unable to draw his eyes away from it.

"Potter?"

His eyes snapped up to Severus'. "Of course, sir."

"Come in and sit down, Harry," Hermione directed.

When they were all seated comfortably, Hermione and Severus on the couch and Harry on the recliner across from it, the conversation began.

"Severus recognized the man who is working with Umbridge," Hermione explained.

Harry's eyebrows shot up. "Really? Who is it?"

"Rodolphus Lestrange," Severus said dryly.

Harry's eyebrows knit together. "Lestrange has been assumed dead since the battle. There was no body found, but there hasn't been any sign of him these past five years."

"I, too, was assumed dead for these past five years. As you can see, I am very much alive. If Lestrange doesn't want to be found, he won't be."

Harry pulled out a small note pad and quill and began to take notes. He glanced up at Severus tentatively. "What would you have me call you, sir?"

"Your Majesty comes to mind, but Severus will do."

Harry stared. Disbelief ran across his face before he chuckled. "Severus, do you have any idea where we could start to look for Lestrange?"

"You should use Umbridge as bait. She'll lead us right to him."

"Why would she contact him?" Hermione asked.

"If she knew her plan had backfired and that I was restored, she would contact him," Severus mused.

"No!" Hermione cried. "If the Ministry finds out, they'll just throw you into Azkaban!"

Harry interjected then. "The whole Ministry doesn't need to know." He tapped his mouth with his quill. "Hermione, you could bring Severus to the Ministry, pretending that he still suffers from the spell. If you go to Umbridge's office, you could show her alone that he's back to normal."

"What's to keep her from running to the Minister and having Severus thrown into Azkaban?"

"I think ultimately she would do that, but she'll contact Lestrage first. He's her accomplice, don't forget, and the only one who knows exactly how deeply she's involved in this."

Hermione turned to Severus with a frown on her face. "I don't like this, Severus. It's too dangerous."

Severus grasped her hand. "It will be all right. I can defend myself and flee if something goes awry."

Hermione had been outvoted. She agreed begrudgingly. The plan evolved quickly. Harry would hide under the Invisibility Cloak and stay in Umbridge's office after Hermione and Severus left. He would then follow her whenever she left, hoping that she'd lead him straight to Lestrange. Hopefully, they'd have the Death Eater by the end of the week.