Unexpected Hero

by Emeryx

A/N So, this story's mainly about Severus Snape. And Hermione and Draco. There's no slash, Just the pairings HG/DM and HP/GW. But they are not central to the stories. And I'll be switch back and forth between pov.. It is only my second time and trying, so please review! Thanks!

And, of course, I do not own any character or setting of this world, which belongs to JK Rowling!

Italics for thoughts

"Good. All plans are done! Good luck, everyone. Take care." Dumbledore announced as he nodded and dismissed everyone. Severus, with a quick nod, swiftly turned and walked away. Hermione Granger watched as the Potions Master left to arrange his part of the plan – to plant the idea of attacking Hogwarts on the arranged date, which was a weeks and a day from now, on March 18th. Her respect for the man had grown exponentially after watching him report back after the Death Eaters meetings, exhausted and shaking from the Cruciatus curse. Not that the man showed much. It was only through Draco's lessons about being a Slytherin that she had learned to watch for such a thing. And even Harry and Ron learned to respect the man, though it was, admittedly, grudging respect.

Draco slipped by to her side, a blank mask, which Hermione has learned meant that he was worried.

"What's wrong?" She asked the boy, who used to be her tormentor, but now, one of her most beloved friend, and her boyfriend.

"Severus didn't go to a revel tonight."

"No… At least, he did not say anything about it. Why?"

"He was in pain."

"Oh. He left too fast for me to notice."

"Yeah.. I think that was his intent, to avoid notice."

"Well, he could just be hurt from a scratch or something – and, of course, he wouldn't admit such a small thing, if he wouldn't even admit his pain from the Cruciatus."

"Yes… maybe… But I'll watch more closely now, I think."

"You go do that. But don't get caught. You are not the only Slytherin in the Order." She sneaked in a quick kiss.

"Mm…" Draco mumbled through the kiss. "I'll remember – But I am the most handsome one."

"Don't flatter yourself!"


Severus Snape inwardly winced as he slowed down his long strides. Long slivers of pain coursed down his back and legs with each step, but he simply took another step. It was normal, for Negessentia to "cause pain: till the victim of this disease want to commit suicide", as his Healer told him bluntly. Well, that was why he had chose Charles as his personal Healer. But Severus Snape is proud of his endurance of pain, made from countless encounters with the Dark Lord. It was inevitable. So, he continued walking, telling himself he could endure this little pain, at the very least. It was only the beginning of the "burning" of the magical core. It will hurt more later on, thus he could not afford a tolerance for Pain potions this early on.

Suddenly, that Mark flared, and this time he actually visibly winced. He swiftly left for the Forbidden Forest, this time not slowing down despite the pain. The Dark Lord does not tolerate lates.

"My Lord."

"Severuss..What news do you have for me?"

"The old man is planning an attack, of which its details I do not know right now. He did not feel he could impart much information to me. "

"Crucio!" Oh yes, the Dark Lord does not tolerate ignorance, either.

"I allowed you to stay at Hogwarts, next to that old codger's side, to gain his trust. What happened?"

"Forgive me, my Lord. However, he does think I am trustworthy enough to be a part of this plan that he calls the Final Battle." At this, Severus managed to sneer, ignoring the pain that had just been exacerbated by the curse.

"And what is your role?"

"I am, my lord, ironically, the spy. I was to inform you, by mentioning this by a bar or near the ears of a death eater about this plan, which will take place on March 25th. Of course, I was suppose to tell you that it will happen on March 24th so you'll be surprised. I suppose it slipped my mind."

Voldemort smirked. "So, you have been busy. Well, do you know their numbers?"

"About half of our numbers. And many dunderheads that I have taught, fresh out of school and knows naught."

"Better and better." Voldemort hissed. "Very well, will wait for them here and eliminate this obstruction to our goal once and forever!"

The death eaters, hearing this, all hooted and cheered. Voldemort passed Severus and asked several death eaters, and punished much more. Soon, the meeting was over.

"My lord, if I may speak…"

"Yes, Crucio!" Voldemort slashed his wand toward Severus. Good, he's in a good mood.

"I have a suggestion.. Could this servant have a private word with his master?" Severus asked obsequiously. Surviving Voldemort Rule #1: Flatter him and boost his gigantic ego.

"It must be worth my time…"Yes.. of course… I do wonder what he does when he do not have these meetings. Surely he must be frequently bored?

"Of course, my lord."

"Well… Why isn't anyone leaving?" Voldemort looked around, pulling his wand out suggestively.

As the death eaters apparated away all around him, Severus remained. It was a risk, but necessary to plant the plan into Voldemort's head.

"So,,, why are you still here? Surely it is not just for the want of another curse…."

"No, my lord. I have a suggestion for the plan."

"Continue."

"We could attack them on the 24th. They will be preparing for us at that time, and they will not expect an attack. That way, we can take over Hogwarts, and still banish away all the Mudbloods and blood traitors." Severus narrowed his eyes, as if wanting to kill them then and there.

"Be still...patience, my servant." Voldemort hissed. "But I have waited long for this day, and understand your sentiments. We will strike a week before. That way, they would not be prepared enough at all."

Perfect! "My lord knows the best."

"Yes. Now, Severus, because you underestimated my plans--" Not again… Merlin, even when others HAVE a better plan….

"Crucio!"