Severus had barely got to sleep after arriving back at Hogwarts, before he felt his Dark Mark burn and he knew that it was time for Voldemort to know that Hermione had gone 'missing'.
He Apparated straight away with his Dark Mark leading the way, and he was unsurprised when he arrived once more at Malfoy Manor. It seemed that Voldemort was using the house as his head quarters, much to the Malfoys displeasure.
As he made his way up the long drive way, Severus thought about what had happened last time he was here.
After he regretfully left Hermione in the drawing room with Voldemort, Severus did indeed go up to Lucius' office. They had a brief hug in greeting each other before they both got down to business with what was happening.
The first question asked was from Lucius:
"Do he really intend on making Miss Potter his wife?"
"Indeed he does, but what he doesn't know is that she is my Goddaughter and I plan on making her safe, no matter what happens," Severus replied gravely.
"Then we shall have to make sure that that doesn't happen," Lucius decided.
Lucius Malfoy, along with Narcissa and Draco had given up their belief in Voldemort's ways long ago, especially when Draco started dating Ginny. It made Draco realise that, even though she was a Weasley and therefore a blood traitor, he found himself falling in love with her and she did to him. As Lord and Lady Malfoy watched their son fall in love, they too realised that it was time to drop the belief, but they had to pretend otherwise whilst the Dark Lord was staying at their house.
Voldemort didn't just turn up on their doorstep and ask if he could use the house as headquarters, no he used someone living on the inside; Bellatrix of course. The only reason that Bellatrix was allowed to stay at the Manor was because she was Narcissa's sister and Narcissa had felt sorry for her when she announced that Rodolphus wasn't letting her back into the house until she ended her obsessive love for the Dark Lord. Bellatrix had said that was impossible but as divorce was frowned upon in the Wizarding world, the only thing they could do was live separately.
So Lucius and Narcissa had let the Dark Lord use their house as headquarters. Lucius had promised once everything was sorted, he would have the house burnt down and either rebuilt there or they would move; they both didn't want to be in this house anymore after the Voldemort had tortured and murdered there.
There was a whispering of a cloak along with heavy footsteps that seemed to be following Severus as he made his way towards the Iron Gate. He regretted turning when he saw who was behind him.
"This is the second time that we've arrive at the same time Snape, are you trying to tell me something?" Yaxley taunted.
"Of course not, you imbecile. We'd better hurry up, He needs to tell us something and I have grave news to tell everyone," Severus replied.
"I recon you should tell me before we go in," Yaxley announced.
"Well I think everyone should know at the same time. After all, you know I have more authority than most of His followers," Severus sneered and gave his signature daggers towards Yaxley.
Yaxley knew not to push the man he was walking near; after all he was the man who came up with Sectumsempra, probably the most dangerous spell after the Unforgivables.
They reached the Iron Gate at the same time and once again Yaxley left it to Severus to charm the gate to let them through. They quickened their pace once they were in the house, usually the last there was almost always tortured, however as the last time it was Severus, and Voldemort needed Severus' help to succeed with Hermione, he felt that torturing him would not help his cause.
"Ah, once again, Snape and Yaxley arrive at the same time," Dolohov sneered towards the pair, a few others, including Rowle and Wormtail, muttered agreements and laughter.
"I say to you, Dolohov, as I said to Yaxley outside, you are an imbecile," Severus hissed.
"Enough!" Voldemort cried, "I have important business to discuss. I am marrying Hermione Potter in two weeks time. Severus, please make sure she is aware and is dressed for the occasion."
"My Lord, Miss Potter has gone missing!" Severus announced. "I took her back to Hogwarts as instructed but when it came to dinner time, she wasn't there and I made sure I was in the Great Hall for the earliest time until the latest. I even spoke to Potter to find out where she was, on your orders; I was to keep her safe for you. I spoke to Dumbledore and he had the portraits and ghosts look for her. She still hasn't been found."
"You must find her, Severus. I need Hermione Potter found. If you do find her Severus, tell her to be here in two weeks' time. I need her to be here!" Voldemort ordered.
The room echoed with "Yes my Lord," before everyone parted ways and went back to whatever they were doing before the meeting.
Lucius caught Severus eyes and looked upwards, indicating that they should go into his office. Severus gave a short nod and a small look towards Voldemort who was sat by the fire.
"My Lord, I promise that before this week is over, Hermione Potter will have been located and will be informed about the wedding," Severus told him.
"If I didn't know any better Severus, I'd say you knew where she was," Voldemort replied.
"My Lord, my Master, you should know that everything I know, I tell you. I don't know where she is, but I promise to find her," Severus told him, letting the Dark Lord invade his mind to watch the fake memories that Severus was easily able to make after the many times he'd had to do it.
"If you excuse me, my Lord, I need to speak with Lucius before I leave," Severus told him. Voldemort didn't reply but nodded once.
Severus made his exit and almost ran up to Lucius' office.
"You know where she is, don't you?" Lucius accused his friend.
"Indeed I do," Severus replied.
"Where is she, I could help protect her," Lucius offered.
"She is at a safe place, where your niece and her husband are looking after her," the dark haired one revealed.
That was another thing. Narcissa had gone to Andromeda's house and made up with her, after that, Andromeda insisted that Lucius and Ted met and Nymphadora met Draco. The relationships in that family were now perfect in all of their eyes.
"We cannot let this happen," Lucius insisted, "I know I didn't used to like Miss Potter, but she is the best friend of my son's girlfriend, I feel like I have to help her."
"There will be a meeting at my old house on Saturday, bring Narcissa, I'll get in touch with a few other Order members and bring Potter, Weasley and Draco from Hogwarts." Severus told him.
"Spinner's End?" Lucius asked.
"That's the place. Fourteen hundred on the dot," Severus announced and after a short hug and a kiss on the cheek to Narcissa on his way out, he left.
