The Power of Pain

Chapter 19

Morning turned to afternoon as Severus allowed her to rest. He was cleaning away his latest batch of muscle growth potion when he heard her stir, a soft mewling whine floating through the rooms, raising his brow. He moved just enough to peer into the room. Her hands were over her head draped over the backrest, bent at the elbows and hung at odd angles. She had one leg dangled over the edge, the other bent resting against the arm. She looked so uncomfortable Severus couldn't imagine being able to sleep like that.

She arched her back a bit letting out another soft noise a soft smile on her face. Severus shook his head and returned to his task. He supposed a lunch would be in order and moved to his ice box. He hadn't much left, he pursed his lips as he pulled out some bread and a bit of turkey. She had managed the eggs and toast that morning, he surmised that a bit more protein wouldn't hurt and set to work making them sandwiches.

Hermione was in a very peaceful place. Her mind floating as if she was on a cloud. It was the first time since she had become self-aware that she had ever felt so wonderful. Her eyes in the dream were staring up at beautiful blue skies and soft moving clouds. She could feel someone near her, with her. Their presence brought immeasurable comfort.

She could feel a smile on her face as the person with her ran their hands gently over her sides, it was a gentle calming touch, that made her feel even more at ease. She didn't want to leave this place, not ever. It was perfect. She turned her head trying to find the source of those hands. Her brain saw but didn't register a face moving over hers. The image of their body near hers was darkly outlined, their face too blurry to recognize. Her dream-self didn't mind, as though her heart already knew.

She sighed happily as those wandering hands pulled her in close, the feel of their body pressed against hers melted all fears, all worries into nothingness. Her body reciprocated wrapping around their broad shoulders. She never wanted this feeling to end. She pulled them in closer hiding her face into their neck. A gentle smell came to her senses and just as she was sure to identify it, the dream dissolved leaving her with only a lingering feeling.

Hermione came to with a whine and heavy sigh through her nose. The world around her starting to come into focus. Her ears picked up small sounds from the kitchen and knew where her care taker had been. She made another soft noise as she stretched herself out just a bit. Her muscles ached slightly from the odd position she had moved into from sleep. She let out a gentle yawn and pulled her hands down into her lap flexing her fingers.

Severus took hold of the plates turning towards the sitting area, he took note of her change of position gratified that his suspicions of her waking up had been valid.

"Lunch." He rumbled, watching as she jumped just a bit before smiling sheepishly at him. She managed to push herself up but struggled with the leg that had fallen over the edge. It trembled before she leaned over using her arms to pull it back onto the lounge. Severus sat down in his chair resting their plates on the arms.

"I have something that will aid in that." He pulled the vial from his pocket taking out the stopper, he placed it into her already outstretched hand.

"Thank you." Her voice was airy and light, no sign of the weight she had been carrying before. She wafted it under her nose-she hadn't known why she'd done it but she had. She paused before leaning her head back taking it down in three large swallows. She made a face sticking out her tongue, "Ugh...cherry..."

She gasped as the bolts of dull lightning ran through her limbs. She didn't cry out but held her breath as she waited for them to subside. They took much less time this round and her relief showed instantly on her face. She leaned back rubbing her thigh gently as she felt the tingle of growing muscle.