Chapter 5

Disclaimer: I can haz fun with JKR's stuff since I'm not making any Galleons from it!

Thanks go to ladyinthecloak for the snickering beta job.

Three weeks later, Hermione and Severus were once again in his office. This time they were toasting each other with a glass of scotch. Their work had finally been completed. They had produced an elixir for Harry to use against Voldemort. Harry would be able to just shout his magical commands, and they would happen. The elixir would last two hours only. They had to hope that Potter would take it at the right time. He would feel considerably weak after...that was simply an affect they couldn't change.

Hermione was eyeing Severus in adoration. She decided that she was infatuated with the man. He was so mysterious, never giving away more than he had to. She loved his eyes. It was as if they could see into her soul, as if they touched her mind. Her time in the dungeons with him had come to an end. This unsettled her. She didn't want to stop seeing him. They had become quite close over the last several weeks. Though he still treated her formally in the company of others, he seemed taken with her as well. He had not kissed her again since that simple kiss to her lips the night she had been weakened by the potion, but she knew he wanted to. Would he kiss her tonight?

"Professor... er... Severus, when will Harry test the potion?" she asked, trying to find something to say. She was putting off leaving. If she could engage him in a discussion, maybe he wouldn't notice the time, and she could stay longer.

"Tomorrow night," he said shortly.

It was over. She wouldn't be back here in the evenings. This unsettled him. Had he taken things too slowly? She had never said anything to him about that night, though she was shy for a few days. Maybe she was still too afraid. Too young. She seemed disappointed. "Are you all right?"

"Yes."

"Well, why do you seem so upset?" He knew what it was. She had told him a few weeks ago in her weakened state that she didn't want to stop coming here. But she would have to. What could he possibly come up with that would enable her to continue coming here? He couldn't ask her to give up all her free time just to chat with him at night. She would have to start preparing for her N.E.W.T.s soon.

"I'll miss you." There she'd said it. Make of it what you will.

He smiled softly. "I will miss you as well."

She was disappointed. He'd not asked her to come to visit him anyway. Maybe she had mistaken that her feelings were mutual. Suddenly, his face scrunched up in pain. "What's wrong?" she asked worriedly.

He grabbed his arm. She knew what was there. His totally evil Dark Mark. Voldemort was calling him! Fear gripped her.

"I have to go," he said through pain.

She knew that when the marks were used to call them, they burned into their skin. "Oh no!"

"Go to Dumbledore. Tell him that I have been summoned at an odd meeting time. If I do not come back, Hermione, please see that Harry takes that elixir. You know enough to prepare all that he needs." He was moving to his chambers and wasn't looking back at her.

Fear gripped her! What if Voldemort knew? What if he was summoned to be killed? He must have been thinking that as well. He'd as much as said it. She couldn't just let him leave. Damn! His door's already closed! She wanted to see him. She ran to his door. "Lily," she breathed. It opened, and she ran into the room. He was not in there. "Severus?"

Suddenly, he came out of the bathroom. He was in his Death Eater garb. Er, that was him, right?

"Shit!" she exclaimed and backed up quickly. The sight was just so darn scary. She tripped over a footstool and fell onto the floor. He walked over to her in a menacing manner. Yet, he held out a hand to her. It was him. She took it and let herself be pulled up. He turned toward his fireplace.

"Wait," she breathed. He stopped but didn't turn around. "Why do you have to go?"

That made him turn. "Because I have to," he said, voice sounding odd through his mask. "It's for Harry. For Dumbledore. For all of you. It's my job."

"Please just stay. I don't want... I am afraid for you, Severus." She swallowed. "We can do this without you having to put yourself on the line any more than you have to."

"Hermione, don't be afraid for me. I chose this role. I know the risks. Please tell Dumbledore what I said." He started to walk toward his fire again.

"Wait!" she screamed again.

He paused and turned to her, waiting to see what she had to say.

She walked boldly to him and put her hands on his mask. He didn't try to stop her. She lifted it up. It was the face she had grown to love. "I can't let you go without... without ever kissing you. Really kissing you." When had she become this brave? This blunt. But just the thought that he might not come back safe gave her the courage, and so she didn't care. She threw her pride to the dungeon draft. "Just give me this if nothing else ever."

His eyes pierced hers. "You would kiss me? Though you see what I really am?"

There was something in his voice that touched her. He wanted acceptance as he was, needed to hear it. She would give it to him. Gladly.

"I love you. All of you," she said simply. It must have been exactly what he needed to hear.

He pulled her to him roughly and bent down slightly. Tipping her face up, his lips met hers. He was testing her lips softly. Then she opened her lips, inviting him in. He complied by kissing her until she thought she would fall to the floor. Wait! She was on the floor. He had been kissing her so intently and passionately that she hadn't noticed that he had laid her down, still kissing her.

He finally pulled away, and smiled wistfully, and then he traced her face with his hand. Without a word, he went to the fireplace, put his mask back over his face, and Flooed to some place she had never heard of. He had kissed her! He cared for her. It was in his eyes. He wanted her. When she said that she loved him, all of him, he seemed so relieved. So happy. So needing. She jumped up. She had to let Dumbledore know. She Flooed to his office.

"Miss Granger, hello," the headmaster said immediately. "Another late night with Severus?"

"He's gone!" she said suddenly. "Voldemort called him. He had to go. He said this was unplanned. Not a normal time. He's not sure if he will be back."

She nearly panicked as Dumbledore jumped up and moved to his shelf behind his desk. He pulled out something and sat it on his desk. She had never seen it before. A sort of mist formed over it. "Severus," he whispered. Hermione watched anxiously. Emotions flowed through her. She had finally found someone she was drawn to besides Harry, and she may have lost him already. Harry. She hadn't thought of Harry in that way for the past couple of weeks. "Miss Granger, he is all right still. I can sense him. He has no fear. He must not be in danger of losing his life... yet. Please go back to your dormitory. I will let you know if anything else should come up."

She nodded and went to his door to walk back to her room. Dumbledore walked her out and told her to try to sleep well. She was only slightly comforted. He was worried. She could see it. She was near tears as she finally walked in to her dorm. She loved him, Severus Snape. He was gone. She should have told him sooner, but she hadn't realized the full extent of her feelings. All this time had been wasted! They could have... been together if he would have had her. And she knew that he would have. Gods, Jesus, Circe, Merlin... all of them, oh how she loved him. Still crying, she was glad about one thing. He would die knowing that there was a woman that thought the world of him. A woman that wanted him as he was... mysterious Professor Snape, sweet Professor Snape, dark Professor Snape, cute Professor Snape, and even Death Eater Snape.

"Mione, what's wrong?" Draco asked, putting a book aside.

"I love him," she said softly.

"Snape?" he asked, making a face.

"Yes."

He was at her side in moment, and he pulled her into his arms. "Shhh... Cry all you need to. I'll be here for you." She sobbed in Draco's arms. She might never see Severus again. Draco was talking and she was barely listening. "He's too old for you anyway, the sod. You'll find someone else." He must be assuming that Snape had refused her. She would tell him no different. He didn't need to know anything. Her tears left eventually. "All right?" he asked.

"Yes, thank you, Draco," she said softly. She hugged him once more. "I needed a shoulder to cry on. I'll never forget this." She squeezed his hand and went to her room. What would she do without him? What would she do if he never came back?

~~~~~~Uh oh! Oh no!~~~~~~~~

Hermione walked with Ron and Harry down to the dungeons the next morning. Everyone was standing outside still when they got there.

"'Sup?" Ron asked Neville.

"Snape's not here yet. Class is empty. And his office door is locked. We're just waiting," he replied.

Draco moved to Hermione. "I need to talk to you," he said softly.

"Oy! Get back there, Malfoy! You could have talked to her in your dorm!" Ron said. He still did not like Malfoy, even though he had changed.

"She was gone when I got up, Weasel," Draco replied coolly.

"Ron, it's all right," Hermione said, allowing Draco to pull her to the side.

"Hermione... I don't know how to tell you this, but... Crabbe... his dad sent him an owl at breakfast. Told him that Snape... told him that he was tortured last night and left for dead. He was wondering how Snape had been a spy this whole time and none of us had noticed. I took the letter and gave it to Dumbledore. It's all I know," he said. "I'm sorry, Mione."

She just looked down blankly. He was gone. She felt a few tears trickle down her cheeks. Draco pulled her close. "I don't know what to feel, Draco. I'm empty I think."

"What have you done to her, you git!" Ron bellowed at Draco when he noticed Hermione was crying and that Draco was the one holding her. "Did you get her pregnant or something? Have a shag and then tried to dump her?"

Harry pulled Ron back.

Suddenly, Fawkes appeared above Harry and a note dropped down to his hand. With a burst of flames, Fawkes left again. Harry read the note and began running. "Harry!" Hermione called. He stopped and looked back.

"Voldemort is coming!" he said. Everyone scattered. Including Ron.

"Harry, wait!" Hermione ran to him. "The elixir!!!"

"It's ready!?!!" he asked.

"Yes, you were to test it tonight. He tested it as well. It lasts roughly two hours. I'll just get it," she said, pulling him to Snape's class. She made her way to his office. It was locked. Damn! Harry was with her! Sod it all.

"We don't have the password," he said. "Damn!"

"I have it," she said faintly. "Lily!" The door opened. Harry paused, looking startled.

"I'll explain later," she said. She ran to his desk, found his secret key, and opened the bottom drawer of his chest. She took out two vials. One was labeled Harry. The other was labeled Voldemort. They ran to Snape's chambers, and she again shouted, "Lily." The doors opened. She paused only a moment to look at the spot she had lain in his arms the night before before grabbing powder and throwing it into the fireplace. "Dumbledore's office."

The next instant she and Harry were in the headmaster's office. "Professor!" Hermione said loudly. Dumbledore came around the corner.

"Harry, are you ready?" he asked.

"Definitely," Harry replied confidently.

"Professor Dumbledore..." Hermione began. He held up a hand.

"He is alive. He is getting checked over by Madam Pomfrey now. It seems that the last vial you two tested last night had still been in his system. Though he felt the pain, he was able to channel it out of him. He was able to voice his commands and Apparate just outside the gates. They have likely not told their master that he got away." Dumbledore smiled. "Go to him."

She looked to Harry. Her face full of joy. "He's alive, Harry!" Harry grinned and pulled her close. At that moment Ron burst through the doors. They all stared at him, open-mouthed.

"I'm ready!" he shouted triumphantly. He had on what appeared to be Muggle military clothes and boots.

"Er?" Harry said.

"Oh, am I not dressed right? I saw that program on Mione's television and thought this is how you dressed in battle," he said, face turning as red as his hair. They all had a laugh even though their situation was far from funny. Draco came through the doors. "Great, what's he doing here?" Ron's voice was less than pleased.

"Now's not the time, Ron," Harry said. He turned to Draco. "Get all the Slytherins together that are on our side. Seal the rest inside the dungeons. They'll not be out to help their parents this day." Harry clapped Draco on the shoulder. "You are in charge of them. Meet me in the Great Hall as soon as you are done. Tell Susan to do the same with Hufflepuff."

"You got it, Potter," Draco said, leaving quickly.

Ron's mouth was gaped open this time. "Harry?"

"I trust Draco. He's been doing a bit of spying for me," Harry said simply. "Ron, you know what to do. Go get with Luna and gather all the Ravenclaws that are ready. Lock the rest in their dorms for safety." Harry turned to Hermione after Ron saluted and stormed off. "Mione, you go see if that feisty boyfriend of yours is ready to fight alongside me."

She looked at him in shock. Then she looked at Dumbledore. They were both grinning. They both approved. She made her way to the infirmary, vaguely realizing that Harry was in charge here. He and Dumbledore were Flooing Aurors now. Severus was alive. He was alive. What if he didn't want to see her? She was half crying and half laughing as she reached the infirmary. Opening the doors a bit noisily, she ran in.

There he was. He was sitting while Madam Pomfrey was holding her wand over him, his robes all tattered and torn. His eyes met hers. He smiled. Crying and laughing hysterically, she ran to him where he pushed aside the mediwitch and scooped her up into his arms. "I came back," he stated.

"I see," she said. "I thought... I was afraid."

"As was I, Hermione. We have to make ready. Voldemort will be here shortly. I found out last night. You have Harry's potion?" he asked.

"Yes, I have them both. In my robes," she said, realizing that he still had her off her feet in the air, holding her to him. He must have noticed she was looking at her feet off of the ground. He let her slide down slowly. She could wait no longer and cared not who was here to witness it. She cupped his face in her hands and kissed him. He kissed her back, full of joy, full of the will to live, and full of hope... Hell, full of lots of things.

"Why, Severus!" Madam Pomfrey exclaimed. He pulled away from Hermione and cocked an eyebrow at her. Hermione giggled. The witch turned to look at Hermione then. "And, you, Miss Granger!"

Before she knew it, she was being pulled to the Great Hall. It was time. Everyone was gathering. Those who would fight. Aurors and parents alike were Portkeying or Flooing in to join in the battle. Harry seemed to be giving directions to everyone as Dumbledore followed in his wake, smiling proudly.

"Boss Potter," Snape said sarcastically. Hermione swatted his arm.

He looked down at her. This amazing girl. She had seen him at his worst, well not his worst, but near it. He had done so many cruel things to her and her friends over the years. Yet, here she was at his side. His rock. The night before had been horrible for him. When they took his wand, he thought his life had ended just as he'd found a reason to enjoy it. Then, he realized he was still very aware. The potion was still within him. He was able to escape. He was very drained after, though, as he had explained all he had learned to Dumbledore, but it didn't last long at all. He sipped on strengthening potion and was fine. All he could think of was Hermione's words and her kiss. She loved him. She had finally said it. He was unsure about it right before she had come in. He was thinking maybe she said it because she'd feared he would die, but when she burst in full of tears of happiness, he knew. She loved him. She belonged to him.

"Severus, I have to go see what Harry wants me to do," she said softly. They were still holding hands and half of the students were now ogling them.

A knife stabbing him in his side would have hurt less. She was soon going to be in danger. "Hermione... you might be hurt," he said softly. "Can't you just...?" He knew her answer though. Potter until the end. She had already told him she would die for Harry if she had to. He squeezed her hand and brought it to his lips. "I think that I am falling in love with you." It was the best he could do.

"That's the most beautiful thing I have ever heard," she whispered. "I love you enough for both of us... for now." She kissed his cheek softly. "Please be careful today, Severus."

"You too, Hermione." He watched as she flounced off toward Harry. Weasley caught his eye though. He had done a double take and was standing there with a horrified expression on his face. Severus chuckled. "Good luck today, Ron." Weasley again did a double take. He had never called him anything other than Weasley.

McGonagall walked up to him. "Severus, glad to see you are all right. Care to come and go over our plans with us?" He nodded and followed her.

~~~~~~~~~~~ Whoot! Chapter End~~~~~~~~~~~

AN: I'm not sure what to comment on. HaHaHa! There's only one chapter left.