Author's Note: It's been entirely too long since I've sat down and written anything decent. With what's going on in the world right now, I found the time to continue some of my WIP's. I hope everyone is doing well; unfortunately for me, my workplace (Nail Salon to be specific) was deemed non-essential and we had to close for two weeks. Yesterday, my boss texted us all and said that we would be closed until the end of April. I was praying that we would open back up again but it didn't happen. This is driving me crazy but we cannot break down. We're all in this together. Every single one of us. We've got to stay strong.

As always, enjoy.

-Carolare Scarletus

.~.

This life we Live

Chapter Two

.~.

Hermione watched helplessly as Severus pulled away from her before she had a real chance to show her appreciation. His spiced allure lingered around her, comforting her in more ways than one as he hurried back to the cauldron where the contents boiled within. The billowing of his robes made her heartache; she'd seen him leave countless times and it never got easier. In all her years, Hermione never thought she'd be this close to the Professor, married, or undertaking a journey of a lifetime albeit if it left her miserably depleted in both the physical and spiritual rights. She supposed she wouldn't have found the courage to steal something so precious to the Dark Lord, either. It was selfish of her to subject Severus to something so heartbreaking, too. He might as well have touched the bracelet and cursed himself in her stead. A marriage did a lot of silly things, including risking one's life for the one they loved. If it had been the other way around, God forbid, Hermione knew she'd do everything within her power to figure out how to save him.

After all, that's what lovers did.

In all the time they'd been together, Hermione had learned a great deal about him. He was a stoic man but driven by such passion that left her breathless just thinking about it. Hermione watched as he moved gracefully across the floor of their small cabin. She could feel the motley of charms surrounding their little haven as if it were her own. The buzz of which was a constant reminder of the dangers they faced and what awaited them beyond the branch of their abode. It was also a stark reminder that her magic was slowly depleting. Thunder lit up the dark scene outside and she shivered.

Hermione kicked her legs against the old, wooden table, lost in a daze. She hardly paid Severus any attention as he walked to and fro, gathering ingredients and dumping them into the sizzling cauldron. He would look up at her from time to time, which she could feel even though her senses prevented her to truly be aware of what he was doing. She sat there for some time; he worked on the potion that could potentially cure her, and she quietly watched, minding her time. Her wrist burned, but she needn't let Severus worry about miscellaneous things; he had enough on his plate, and worrying about her wellbeing surely wasn't something she wanted to add onto it.

As she sat, a sudden thought occurred to her, and she couldn't help but voice it to her husband.

"Harry, he's going to be moved soon isn't he?" Hermione looked to Severus for some sort of confirmation.

"Yes, that is my belief," Severus told her softly.

"Have you told You-Know-Who?"

Her husband didn't answer right away, but his silence spoke volumes.

Of course, he told him.

It was hard for her to imagine how the boys were doing. Had she stayed, she would've been expected to help Harry in his desperate flight to escape. She'd already ensured the safety of her parents; she sent them to a city somewhere in Australia after obliviating them. If she remembered correctly, the mission would take place tomorrow night. They were in the middle of preparing for Bill and Fleur's wedding as well. It seemed counterintuitive to celebrate something as sacred as a wedding, but what did she know? Hermione didn't have a traditional wedding ceremony. She read somewhere that making a magical wedding vow was allotted to those who couldn't afford the true thing. It didn't bother her at all, but knowing that Bill was about to get married amid the Second War had her mind lingering on subjects she wished would evaporate.

"What are you thinking, Hermione?"

She looked up at Severus.

He'd stopped tending to the cauldron and was now standing in front of her, a knowing gleam in his eye. After all this time, Hermione still couldn't get anything past him. He had a knack for knowing what was occurring within her mind; the turmoil was as real as the nasty curse that was plaguing her body.

"I hope they're okay," she finally told him.

"You mean Potter and Weasley, yes?"

She nodded slowly," I didn't even say goodbye to them."

"I hardly believe you had a choice in the matter, Hermione," Severus told her coldly. "Time was of the essence and it certainly didn't leave room to say our final salutations to the ones we love."

Hermione quietly wondered if Severus would give her a final farewell. Though they were married and shared a bed more often than not, she always wondered what was churning inside the secretive mind of her husband. Of course, she knew he loved her; otherwise, he wouldn't put his neck on the line to find a cure for the damnable disease.

She looked at the bracelet with discontent. It was an ugly little piece embroidered with small emerald jewels and exquisite rhinestones. Where the Dark Lord got it she will never know, but one thing was certain and that was she needed to find a way to get rid of it. He had to have procured it after Dumbledore destroyed the ring and she wondered if there was another replacement for the book Harry destroyed during their second year at Hogwarts. Anything was possible at this point.

"I want to see them," Hermione confessed bravely.

This nearly caused Severus to drop the vial he was holding.

"Hermione, you know I cannot allow that. It's entirely too dangerous to travel. That glamour I put one your wrist will only stay for so. I can't say how long before he senses it's been stolen."

"Does he know," she couldn't help to inquire.

"Know what," he asked solemnly," that some little witch stole one of his Horcruxes? No, I do not believe he does. You hold no attachments to it; Potter on the other hand does. Though, it won't be long until he discovers the truth, Hermione. His priorities currently revolve around Potter's movements, but that does not mean you can leave just yet."

"What do you think he'll do?" Hermione worriedly caught his gaze.

"From my understanding," he drawled, stopping what he was doing to glance at the bracelet," it is one of his most prized possessions. After Potter and Dumbledore destroyed two of his Horcruxes, he sought out another one that would replace the ones he lost. He will be undeniably furious when he discovers it has been taken."

Hermione bit her lip, moving from his side so she could sit atop the table as he worked. He watched her carefully before turning back to cutting slugs and adding it to the concoction.

"Who knew the Dark Lord had so many Horcruxes?"

Severus stopped what he was doing and inhaled deeply. "I don't wish to discuss such woes with you. It is disheartening enough knowing my wife foolishly fell for one of his traps and got a taste of Dolohov's curse, but to add the possibility of death to the flame… it is a conversation I would rather not entertain, Hermione."

"You took a vow that you'd tell me everything."

"I also took a vow that I would protect you at all costs and if that means withholding information, then I will."

"It would only be for a few hours," she pleaded.

"Why are you so keen on escaping from me," he was only teasing, but his eyes narrowed suspiciously. "I am aware that Bill Weasley is to be married fairly soon and if you think I would allow you-"

"There's a reason we have Polyjuice Potion, Professor." Hermione grinned, hopping off the table and clamoring over to the far left corner of the room. There, she took out her wand and undressed the glamour she'd kept on an old wooden box. Inside, there was a cauldron with its contents bubbling away. In just a few hours, she'd have her very own hallmark Polyjuice Potion. "Luckily for me, you've had all the ingredients to make a small enough batch. If I calculated it right, it'll give me around twelve hours to masquerade as anyone of my choosing."

"Stealing from me again I see, Ms. Granger," he sneered. "Very well, you have me convinced."

"Really?" she asked in disbelief.

"Hardly," his tone was low as he continued. "Who, may I ask, will you be masquerading as? At the very least there will be a hundred people in attendance, so the pickings are fairly slim."

Hermione hesitated before whispering," I was thinking I could go as you."

"What," her husband sounded in disbelief.

"No one will suspect that it's you!"

"Are you mad, woman," Severus hissed angrily. "My face is already plastered around as a traitor against Potter's army, and now you want to sully my name even more-"

"I was going to suggest I go as a younger you."

"How is that remotely possible?"

"Your textbook, Severus." Hermione wobbled over to the bed and pulled it out. She had a gleam in her eyes that Severus hadn't seen in such a long time. "You've cut yourself on the pages so many times that I was able to extract just enough for the potion."

"You've already introduced my blood to the potion, haven't you?"

She nodded brilliantly," Just a few more days and I'll be able to masquerade as a younger Severus Snape."

"It's clear just how old you think I am."

"You're not old by any means, Severus. It's just, no one will be suspecting a teenaged version of you to show up to Bill and Fleur's wedding. Besides, I've had the time to think it all out. It appears to be a solid plan."

Severus didn't seem entirely convinced, and Hermione couldn't blame him.

She was going to be parading around as him and during one of the most crucial times in his life. She suspected he always had an unhealthy fascination with the Dark Arts, but it only intensified during his sixth year at Hogwarts. On top of all that, he'd called his first love one of the worst names someone could call a Muggleborn and Hermione couldn't help but be saddened by the fact he never had the chance to apologize to Lily Potter for what he'd said. Not that one of her classmates hadn't called her by the same word during her second year. Though, she'd learned quickly that she was more than that. Hermione had accomplished so much in such a small amount of time and she supposed it could amount to her eagerness to learn and explore a world that she'd only learned about when she got her acceptance letter.

If only Severus could see what she was trying to do, then he would have no reason but to be proud of her.

"What are you thinking, Severus," she asked, using one of his hallmark phrases when something was on her mind and he wanted to know.

Her husband looked at her solemnly," A great number of things."

"Are you worried that this plan will fail?"

"I'm always worried when it concerns you," Severus moved toward her and pulled her into a tight hug. "Not many know or remember how I conduct myself in my youth, so I suppose your little plan may have some redeeming factors. Nevertheless, there's something I'd like to add to your Polyjuice Potion that I hope will completely conceal that part of my life I wish to forget."

"And, what do you plan on doing?"

"There's a spell on my textbook that I've perfected during my years of service to the Dark Lord and Dumbledore. It's given me the ability to travel all over the world without having to worry that people would recognize me. As a Potion's Master, I had to steal rare ingredients and quite literally fall off the face of the earth. This spell allowed me to conceal my true identity while under the guise of someone else. Not only am I protected, but the person I was parading around is too."

"That's ingenious, Severus!"

"I thought it would garner your respect, Hermione."

"How long will it take to integrate into the potion?"

"A few days," he simply told her. "Luckily for us, it'll align perfectly with the final stages of the Polyjuice Potion." He paused for a moment before adding. "However, I'm reluctant for you to do this."

"Why is that," she asked, concerned that he'd tell her something so terrible that she'd have no choice but to forfeit her plan to use the potion. So many precious ingredients would be wasted.

"Hermione, your magic is already slowly deteriorating. This spell may accelerate the effects of the curse to the point where you won't be able to use magic at all, so I've decided that if need be I will forfeit some of mine to preserve yours."

"Severus, you can't possibly-"

"I've made my decision already, Hermione. As your husband, I'll do absolutely anything to ensure your safety. Haven't I proven that much already?"

Hermione's heart clenched painfully within her chest.

Of course, he'd prove his loyalty and love for her. Even in the meniscal examples, his profanity for her safety outspoke any words he could've said. It was through his actions that she was able to know and she couldn't ask for a better husband.

"Do you think we'll ever be free?"

Severus didn't look up from the small cauldron when his wife asked her questions. His art was cloaked by the pressing storm as it raged on. It was nearing midnight and she ought to be in bed. However, as the days pressed on, Hermione found sleep more of a burden than a necessary evil. With well-practiced hands, he stirred the contents of the potion, mulling over the question as if it were a matter of life and death, which it was. Though, she hardly believed whatever answer he provided her would be sufficient enough; he easily saw through it and delivered unto her a truthful reply.

"Unfortunately, that all falls on the shoulders of Mr. Potter."

"Harry," she told him softly, her eyes wide. They'd been married for a few months, so he was going to learn how to address her friend as such whether he wanted to or not. "And, why do you say that? Didn't Dumbledore tell him everything he needed to know?"

"That," he began, still keeping careful eyes on the cauldron," I do not know, Hermione. Their private conversations were just that...private. Albus told me everything he wanted me to hear and nothing more."

"He didn't divulge anything else to you?"

"Not that I can honestly relate to you."

Hermione didn't inquire about anything else, though she felt that her husband's answers were a bit too deceptive. She couldn't help thinking that he was lying to her, though he never gave her any reason to believe such a statement. He had always been forthcoming with his answers, even in the dire of times. Deciding it wouldn't do her well to dwell on such matters, Hermione reclined back against the wall, watching the faint flickering of the hearth as the imposing need for rest came over her. It had been hours since she'd woken up, and the hands of sleep were already calling her back. She felt drained and she found it increasingly harder to keep awake. Her eyes drooped, but sleep did not come.

"Have you seen him, Severus?" Hermione was almost too afraid to ask.

Severus didn't answer right away. Instead, he dropped whatever he was doing and stalked over to where she sat. Her wide, knowing eyes watched him.

"You know I wouldn't hold anything against you. Denial is one thing I've yet to teach you."

"You say that as if it's a bad thing."

"I cannot tell you anything that may jeopardize your safety, Hermione." The conflict in Severus' voice was enough for her to lose control. She didn't want excuses, she wanted answers.

"Is he safe, Severus?"

He did not speak.

"You need to rest."

"Don't tell me what I need," Hermione seethed, resisting the urge to fight back, though whatever foreboding power that was being unleashed unto her was already rearing its ugly head. She didn't want to fight; whatever evil was residing inside of her forced her to say the most degrading things, and Severus, of all people, knew how much she endured to keep it at bay. Sometimes, she'd let things slip, and it took everything that made her whole not to surrender to its forceful callings. "I'm sorry, I'm just not myself at all."

"I know you're not," he moved to kiss her on the forehead. "But, you must oblige my request. Sleep and when you awake, you will receive your answers. I promise that you will."

"When will you be back?"

"He's requesting my attendance for later this evening," Severus told her. She knew that his mark must be burning like the sweet inferno of the Dark Lord's hatred. "And, the matter of my return...I do not know. Whenever the Dark Lord deems it worthy that he's gotten all that he needs out of me."

"You don't have to go," Hermione begged, now standing again. It wouldn't be the first time he came back to her with bruises and slashes. Of course, she'd seen him in states much worse than that.

"Unfortunately for me, I cannot live the life of a fugitive like you, Hermione. I have obligations with the Dark Lord, and-"

"I need you here," she cried, her body shaking with the excursion of controlling herself. This curse was doing more than just slowly killing, it was eating away at her magic. The more time they spent arguing, reliving this fruitful rivalry, the less time they had to figure out how to save her. Even now, she could feel herself withering away, with nothing more than her husband anchoring her to the ground.

Her small hands gripped his dark collar, pulling him toward her in a colliding interpretation of her love and frustration. The second their lips met the spark between them flared. This rekindling only intensified her need to be as close to him as possible, to convey to him that she needed him with her for as long as he would allow.

"Crice, Hermione." Severus hissed. "How is it that you make it impossible to leave?"

"Can't you stay?" she asked, her voice dropping some. Hermione looked at him with sultry gaze, her desperation palpable in the air.

Severus only stared at her, his chest rising and falling rapidly beneath his thin shirt. Gripping her arms, he brought her body close to her, closing the gap between them.

"Take rest, Hermione," Severus murmured from his small nook in the room. "The potion will be done by morning."

Brow furrowing, she ignored his suggestion. Instead, she walked over to his table and joined his side once again.

Just how much time did she have with him? Right now, she couldn't say. Even so, she planned to spend as much time with him as possible before he had to leave.

"I wish you didn't have to go," she felt hopeless, devoid of all happiness. In light of everything else, he seemed to be the only thing that kept her afloat. Hermione stopped beside him and he instantly wrapped a strong arm around her waist. She leaned her cheek against his chest and sighed, looking into the blackened contents of the cauldron before her eyes drifted to the bracelet on her arm.

"This is one wish I simply cannot oblige," he whispered solemnly.