Chapter 37

Suddenly his mind and head reeled, and he felt dizziness overwhelm him. His vision began to fade. He stumbled as he landed in the back room of the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade. He grabbed the Floo powder and dove through, landing in his own rooms at Hogwarts. He fell to his knees, vomiting on the floor. He heard Hermione cry out his name, and then her hands were on him, cooling his hot skin and ministering to his needs. She cleaned up his mess and got him into the bed. Poppy came and gave him a calming drought, and they waited for him to calm down enough to tell them what happened.

He lay on the bed, thinking he should be able to overcome the shock of being that close to Voldemort again. The memories he'd shared with Scorpius had been like watching a movie; he had already known what was coming. But seeing the monstrous way Voldemort had chastised his favorite had been a shock to his system. He was reminded of his own death. He felt like he was in a dark tunnel looking out. He knew he had the information they needed, but his mind seemed somehow turned in on itself.

Poppy finally told Hermione, "As best I can tell, he used Legilimency on Lucius Malfoy. I sent a Patronus to the prison, and a Grimmley Hinckernill sent back a message saying he had assisted but he never done it before. He says that Lucius also seems affected, but the prison doctor says he will sleep it off. I guess we just have to wait for Severus to work his way through the shock of whatever the memory did to him. I have helped him all I can. Just hold him and talk to him. Call me when you see any changes."

The old healer gave her a hug and ran her hand over Severus' hair. She turned and left the room with tears burning her eyes. "Will he never be truly free?" she muttered under her breath.

Hermione crawled into the bed and wrapped herself around him. Having second thoughts, she used her wand and vanished their clothes and then wrapped herself around him, skin to skin. She wanted him to feel his anchor to this world, to feel the love she had for him. She reached out with her thoughts, catching glimpses of what he had seen, and she called to him, flooding him with her love. She knew when he started to cry that she had touched him.

He wrapped his arms around her and cried, letting go of more of the pain, shame, and guilt of his former life. Hermione's love proved to him once again that most people forgave him and he had a life to live and people who depended on him. He needed to get this new information to St. Mungo's. The filth of Voldemort that he had been dipped in flowed away.

"Severus, Molly and Arthur are okay for now. You can sleep for a few hours. Let go and sleep."

Emotionally exhausted, he let Hermione soothe him. Wrapped in her love, he let sleep take him into a silent restful blackness.

****

When Severus woke, Hermione's hair was spread over his chest, and she was also sleeping. He caressed her hair with his hand until he heard her stir.

She raised her head and looked into his face. "You okay?" Worry lined her forehead.

He nodded. "Yes, I wouldn't have been if you hadn't been here for me. Love truly is the answer to all problems. Love is so tangible. I would like to lie here and tell you all about it, but I have the spell, and we need to go save Molly and Arthur."

"You have it!" Hermione screamed with joy. She bounced from the bed, pulling on her clothes.

He laughed at her excitement. "Yes, Lucius witnessed the spell being used. He heard but really didn't think much about it until he re-visited his memories. He has little else to do in Azkaban."

He climbed from the bed and used his wand to cleanse himself, and then he dressed in his Hogwarts robes.

"Hermione, go get Albus and Scorpius. They deserve to be there. And send your Patronus to the Burrow and Poppy, and I will alert the hospital."

She saluted him with a grin. "Aye, aye, Sir." She turned and ran out.

He stared after her; she had just looked more like the girl he'd know years ago. The pressure that had recently made her look tight and drawn had faded quickly.

Within ten minutes she was back with the wide-eyed, jubilant boys. Her face was red and flushed from her excitement and the exertion.

Severus held up his hands to stop the boys' questions; he was still pale from his ordeal. "I will answer all your questions later. We must go." He grabbed a handful of Floo powder and was gone.

Hermione followed, then Scorpius, and then Albus. They found themselves in the lobby of St. Mungo's, and they ran after Severus, his robes billowing about him as he strode quickly down the hallway.

Hermione had to catch her breath at the sight of him. He had all the power and might of her old Potions teacher. Her heart swelled with pride. She had to sprint to catch up with him, and she felt the boys close at her heels.

Inside the room, the Weasley family and a group of healers had gathered. Ginny stood by her mother's tank, holding on to Harry's hand. George and Percy stood close to their father's tank. Charlie and Bill were there. She saw that Ron stood behind Charlie in the back of the room trying to blend into the wall. Hermione briefly caught his eye and then went to stand next to Severus.

Poppy and Minerva slipped into the room. Poppy's eyes searched Severus' face, and she seemed to sigh with relief.

Severus nodded at her, his eyes promising they would talk soon. He slipped his hand into Hermione's, drawing her close. "Healers, I have the verse, which is the spell. It is sung magic. I must slip into a memory to repeat it. Please, everyone stay quiet until I come out of the memory. I will take Hermione with me; she will be my anchor."

He felt Hermione's hand tremble; she had not realized he would have to go back. Could he take it?

"You will be my anchor," he said again to comfort her.

She thought, Who will be mine? But she nodded at him and felt a bit of comfort as two healers took places beside them in case they needed help.

Severus reached out to her mind first, and she felt his horror at having to take her to this place. But when they got there, he was concentrating on the words so intently that the scene faded out, and she only got impressions of the surroundings. She was grateful; the sounds of Bella's screams were enough to make her shake. Then Severus began to sing...

Reversal can be achieved in turn.

Time for lessons have been learned.

This curse give health to their breath

Even unto the caster's death.

Wilt thou give with thy power

Relief to thine enemies?

Bringer of Life, kindly dower,

Giver of life force, wrought from alchemy.

Yield up the water of life,

Lightness of living, gone from strife.

... and the sound of his voice and the healing power of his words washed over her like a fresh mountain waterfall. The water of life seemed to flow through them as well as the Weasleys. When it was over, they knew it had worked. Molly and Arthur looked like they had years ago, healthy and robust. They had relief on their faces that made the whole ordeal well worth it.

The healers stood quietly until Severus moved away from the tanks. He and the family filed out of the room and allowed the healers to extract Molly and Arthur from their webbings and get them dressed. They were placed in warm, comfortable beds. Then the family returned. There was of lots hugging, more crying, and many bouts of laughter as the family shed their fear and let the relief wash over them.

Severus found himself suddenly standing next to Ron. They looked at each other, and finally Ron took a deep breath and said, "Thank you, Professor Snape. I have misjudged you. I hope you and Hermione will be very happy together. Forgive me for my horrendous acts of stupidity."

Severus regarded him with an icy stare until Ron squirmed. Then he said, "You're welcome, Mr. Weasley. For reasons I do not fathom, my wife and Mr. Potter love you. Try to be worthy of that. If you can let go of the past, you will be welcome in our home."

Hermione and Harry were standing behind the two, and they exchanged surprised looks. Maybe Ron was not lost to them.

Hermione reached out to gather Severus close, and she smiled uncertainly at Ron.

Ron blushed and said in a strangled voice, "Sorry, Mione." He sidestepped them and went to give his mother a hug.

Harry had been watching and he said, "There may be hope for him after all. Severus, we owe you so much."

"No debts anymore, Harry. We do for each other what we must out of care and lo-ove." The last word came out with difficulty, and Hermione snickered. Severus smirked at her, and his eyes promised that she would pay for her snicker later. But the promise was something that made her blush.

Harry turned a bit red at the looks they were giving each other. He excused himself to go talk to Scorpius and Albus. He had to laugh when he found Molly had grabbed Albus and Scorpius and was hugging them from each side of her bed so tightly against her breasts that they were turning beet red. After that, the room erupted in so much laughter that tears were shed, yet again.

Arthur was nearly choking with glee as his eyes took in the happiness.

Severus hissed to Hermione, "Let's get out of here before she wants to hug me."

Hermione laughed and dragged him from the room, and they ran to the Floo and escaped.

******

Hermione started then stared around her. They had not ended up in their rooms at Hogwarts but at Poppy's beach house.

"Severus, won't everyone be looking for us?" she asked, not at all unhappy to find herself there.

He turned and gathered her up against him. "No, Poppy will know where we went. I asked her one day last week when she came by the lab if we could hide out here for a few days when this whole ordeal was over. She was happy to give me permission. Now shush."

He leaned in to capture her mouth and silence her. The kiss left her breathless, and she pressed herself against him.

Severus picked her up and carried her into the bathroom; they undressed and slipped into a tub of hot water and let the jets of the Jacuzzi soothe bodies that had been pushed beyond their abilities and strength for weeks.

Hermione lay against Severus. "We abandoned the boys there," she whispered, the thought just fleeting across her mind.

"I'm sure they will be able to go back through to Minerva's office. Harry will take care of them," he said as his hands started to slip over her soapy body.

"What will they think of us running away?" she murmured, losing herself in the pleasure of his touch.

"They will think we are making up for lost time. We are newlyweds, are we not? Now shush, wife."

Hermione giggled and turned to face him, kissing him deeply. "Sorry," she murmured against his lips.

He continued to slide his hands over her breasts and down her stomach in slow, curving motions. She arched her body against his hands, loving his gentle touch. He slipped two fingers into her and moved them gently in and out. She threw her head back against his neck and closed her eyes as he brought her to a climax.

Severus loved watching her cum; she was so beautiful, and he loved that he made her so happy and content. Each time she responded to him, he felt life was renewed. Having someone who loved him and who he loved amazed him. He turned her around, and she wrapped her fingers around his thick shaft and guided him to her opening. He slipped into her as he devoured her mouth. The buoyancy of the water helped him raise and lower her. They did not care that their movements splashed water all over the bathroom. Hermione clamped her legs around his waist and threw her head back so that he could lean in and take the tip of her breast into his mouth. He teased her and nipped at her tender flesh until she moaned with pleasure. He watched her face as she moved up and down...her eyes closed, her face intent on his and her own pleasure. He felt himself coming to his own climax as she shuddered into her own, and he felt her muscles squeeze him at exactly that moment, sending him into one of the most amazing spasms of pleasure that he cried out and pulled her into a deep long kiss.

"I love you," he gasped when their lips parted.

"I love you," she said, her hands cupping his face as she bent to kiss him again. She slumped to his chest and listened to his rapidly beating heart.

Later lying against each other in the warm bed, they snuggled closer as they slept. They slept through the night and late into the next morning. Hermione woke to Severus' hand sliding over her hip.

She smiled to herself and placed her hand over his, "Mmmm, that feels good."

He kissed the back of her neck. "I'd make love to you if I wasn't ravenous. How about breakfast and then a swim in the ocean?"

"Brunch is more like it." She nodded, throwing back her covers and sliding away from him.

He watched her pad a way from him toward the bathroom; he loved watching her naked bum. He grinned lecherously and climbed out of bed. The cabin was warm, but he slipped into a thin robe and got Hermione's out of the closet. When she came from the bathroom, he helped her into it. As he finished tying the robe, he pulled her close for a deep kiss; she tasted of fresh mint toothpaste. Then he slipped into the bathroom and called back to her, "I'll be out in a minute to help you."

She went into the kitchen and found the fridge brimming with fresh food and a note from Poppy.

Hermione, Severus: I slipped in this morning to stock up provisions. The Weasleys were sent home last night. I think we will all sleep a lot this week. The boys went right to bed when Mr. Potter brought them back to Hogwarts. I doubt I'll see them till noon or later. I gave them the day off. Have a wonderful time, you two. Minerva will get you subs for the next week. Come see me when you get back.

Love, Poppy

Hermione smiled and handed the note to Severus when he came in. He read it silently and smiled. "She really is the best, isn't she?"

Hermione nodded. "Yes, you have been very lucky to have her there for you all these years." She handed him a knife and nodded toward the onion she'd set out.

"Oh, thank you. You just want to see me cry," he said dryly, but with a smile.

She laughed, loving his sarcastic tone. Her Severus was so different from the man he'd once been. But she loved his old sarcasm. She pulled a cutting board out for him and one for herself and started to cut up fresh bell peppers.

Together they made thick, juicy omelets filled with fresh vegetables. Severus brewed a pot of coffee with a spell. He made the best coffee, rich and dark.

They sat in the breakfast nook and ate, glancing at the beach and the ocean, watching the seagulls running here and there.

Hermione sighed. "I love this place. I feel so at peace here, so relaxed." She reached out and threaded her fingers with his. "Thank you for thinking to bring me here."

He leaned over the table to kiss her. "You're welcome, but I assure you it's my selfishness. I wanted to have you alone; we have a lot of love making to make up for. I have been missing those fantasies of yours." He laughed.

She blushed. "What did you have in mind?"

"Give me the afternoon, and I will think of something." He pulled away from her. "Come on, the sand and the beach are waiting."

Hermione stood. "What about the dishes?"

Severus promised, "You go put that little bikini on, and this place will be clean and in order before you come out."

She nodded and ran off to throw on the bikini. It took only a minute, but Severus was as good as his word. The kitchen looked spotless.

They went out of the little cottage hand in hand. The sun was warm and bright, which was a wonderful difference from the rain back home.

They were like two children racing down the beach hand in hand, dancing in and out of the waves, catching each other for kisses and then dancing away. Hermione's hair got fuzzier and fuzzier from the sea air. Severus' hair flew about his face and shoulders free and wild.

Hermione wished she had a camera to take pictures of him. He was so happy and free. God, how I love this man, she thought as she caught him again in her arms and kissed him. He always tasted of fine wine and honey.

Suddenly, she realized she wanted to have a baby. But just as suddenly, she was afraid he might not want a child, being who he was and what had happened in his life.

Severus felt her warm against him, and then she stiffened. He pulled back to look into her face and saw some fear there. "Hermione, are you okay?"

She nodded, took his hand, and they walked slowly up the beach. "I'm sorry, my mind wandered."

He could feel her hand trembling. He pulled her to face him, put his finger under her chin, and raised her face to look into his eyes. "Tell me what made you afraid. Did I do something wrong? Was I too rough in play?"

"No, Severus, nothing like that." She reached up to caress his face, assuring him he wasn't at fault. She blushed. "It's a woman thing."

"Hermione, please tell me," he urged her.

"I'm sorry, I can't right now. I need to think about it." She pulled away and walked down the beach alone.

Stunned, Severus watched her go thinking, What the hell! Did I say something, do something that reminded her of Lucius' attack? Did she remember something she hadn't remembered before? He found his heart beating fast, and he pressed his hand to his chest and ran after her. He would not let this, whatever it was, come between them.

Lisa, thank you for your beta work. I appreciate that you continue to work on my chapters, story after story. You're the best.

Ms. Tree, thank you for writing the spell verse. It is wonderful and perfect for this story.

Angie and Becky, thank you for pre-reading this story and for your comments.

Writermerrin, I very much appreciate your taking the time to check so many of my chapters. You and the other ladies of TPP work so hard to make this site the best there is.