It was nearly seven o'clock and Hermione had not yet returned, but no one had noticed her absence. Snape was in his rooms and he was laying on his bed; that afternoon had been exhausting. So because of his tiredness he fell asleep. He dreamed a small silhouette of a woman. She was in a cell but she had not been tied. Severus knew that place, he was in Malfoy Manor's dungeons; he had passed a lot of time there when he was young, torturing people. The man got closer to her and noticed that her face was covered with her long hair and... she was sleeping. Undoubtedly they did something to her. He looked better and he immediately recognized her... it was Hermione Granger!
He woke up and immediately went to the Headmaster's office. He knew it was late, but he had to tell him. He climbed the spiral staircase and quickly knocked on the door.
-Come in- said a voice from the inside.
The Potions Master went in and saw Albus Dumbledore sat behind his desk, reading. The old wizard looked up when Severus sat in front of him.
-Good evening, Severus. Why are you here?- asked the Headmaster curiously.
-Albus, today the students went to Hogsmeade, right?-
-Yes, Severus. Why are you asking me this?-
-And has everyone returned?- said Snape, without answering to the question Dumbledore asked him.
-I don't know. Professor Mcgonagall is controlling them right now- said Albus, who was now looking worried. In that moment the Deputy Headmistress stormed into Dumbledore's office, without knocking.
-Headmaster, I controlled the students. It seems that everyone Is here. Everyone except...- she said out of breath.
-Everyone except who, Minerva?- asked Dumbledore.
-Everyone except Hermione Granger, Albus-. Severus looked as if he was about to faint. Event though he knew it already, he had wished that it wasn't true, that he was wrong.
-We must send someone to search for her- said the Headmaster. -Minerva, go and find the other professors and tell them we'll meet in the Great Hall in half an hour-. The Deputy Headmistress left the office.
-So, Severus. What did you want to tell me?- asked Albus.
-Well... actually... I wanted to tell you about Miss -Granger, Headmaster- said Snape.
-but...how did you know?-
-I have been having these dreams and they all came true, Albus-
-This is strange. And what did you dream, if I can ask?- asked the Headmaster looking at him in the eye. Severus proceeded to tell him everything.
-And to tonight you dreamed her where?-
-In a dungeon. And not just any dungeons. She's in the Malfoy's dungeons-
-Malfoy Manor... so it must have been one of Voldemort's follower still free- said Dumbledore. Severus nodded.
-All right. Let's go to the other professors-. He stood up and, followed by Snape, they reached the others.
-So... there's nothing to worry about. It must have been one of Voldemort's follower still free. Severus and Minerva, you'll come with me. While you...- he said to the other teachers -...stay here and look after the students, all right?-
The adults nodded and Dumbledore left, closely followed by McGonagall and Snape. When they reached the gate, from where they could Disapparate, the Deputy Headmistress realized that Albus and Severus knew where to go.
-Excuse me, but where are we going?- she asked curiously.
-Malfoy Manor- answered the Headmaster without looking at her. When they Apparated near the manor, Snape nearly tripped in his robes. They quickly went towards the house and, strangely, they didn't find any defensive spells. When they entered into the house, Snape led them to the dungeons, where they would have found the young Gryffindor. They opened the door and immediately saw Hermione Granger, who was sitting on the ground. It seemed as if she was sleeping, so the Potions Master, foolishly, went towards her. But as he stepped into the cellar he heard Hermione shouting something.
-Professor be careful! Behind the door!-
Severus turned quickly and found himself face to face with a Death Eater, but he wasn't able to identify him because he was wearing the mask. He quickly drew his wand and stunned him. Luckily there was no one else in the room and Snape went to Hermione.
-Are you all right, Miss Granger?- he asked with a worried face. She nodded, but didn't say anything.
-Now, we'll take you back to school, Hermione, so you can be cured- said Dumbledore with a tone which didn't allow any objections.
Severus took the girl in his arms and Disapparated. He arrived in the gardens of Hogwarts followed by the Headmaster and Professor Mcgonagall, who had stayed behind to bind the criminal and send a Patronus to the Minister. The young witch, however, lost her senses as soon as Snape's feet touched the ground. For the whole journey to the Infirmary, Snape couldn't take his eyes off of Hermione. Only when he laid her on the bed he looked away. He noticed that on Albus face there was a strange emotion... fear, perhaps?
Well, Voldemort was dead... why would someone have wanted to kidnap a student? It seemed as if no one knew how to answer to that question. The silence was broken by Madam Pomfrey.
-Please, professors, I'm sorry but Miss Granger needs to rest- she said.
Everyone looked at her, worried.
-Will she be okay?- asked Severus.
-Well... she lost a lot of blood, two ribs are broken and her wrist is dislocated. I don't know when she'll wake- admitted the mediwitch.
The three professors nodded and left. As they passed the threshold Dumbledore talked.
-Excuse me, Severus. Could you come to my office for a moment? I wish to speak to you-
Severus nodded.
-Ah, good night, Minerva- added the Headmaster.
