The scowl on Severus' face is probably one of the scariest things I've seen since Voldemort. Severus is not a happy person at the moment and we've only been planning this attack for two hours. It appears this will be a long day.
"All of you cannot be serious!" Severus bellowed, slamming his fist down on the table
"Severus, I must say, Albus does have a good point", Lucius responded, calmly.
"Lucius! You know what the death eaters will do to Hermione, once they realize she is alone during the battle."
"Severus, technically I won't be alone." Severus glared at me and crossed his arms over his chest.
"Severus, calm down for a minute and think. Hermione is very capable of taking care of herself and none of us would let anything happen to her", Minerva said softly, laying a hand on Severus' arm and stoking it motherly. Surprisingly, Severus didn't pull away or glare at Minerva.
The plan was for the pairs to stick together during the battle at the Ministry. The only thing was, Severus would be there as a 'death eater', leaving me alone. But obviously, I wouldn't truly be alone. There were going to be a number of other order members at the Ministry, so it'd be easy enough for me to pair with one of them for the battle. But, Severus did not want that to happen. I enjoy this protective side of Severus.
"I'm aware Hermione can take care of herself", Severus responded. "But the death eaters will automatically go for Hermione once everyone gets split up. She's a woman; they will believe her to be weaker."
I couldn't help but glare at Severus. I could take on most of those idiot death eaters without even thinking about it.
"Well, that could be to our advantage", Lucius replied. I could tell he was concentrating and developing some sort of plan.
"How so?" I asked curiously.
"Well, Severus is right, the death eaters will target you, Hermione. But, they don't realize how strong you actually are."
"So, we could trap them?"
"Exactly, we will have to make it appear that you are fighting alone, but really we will have a number of order members near you and ready to attack. Once they go to ambush you, we could counteract and ambush them."
"That's actually not a bad idea", Harry said.
Severus glared at the both of them. "While I agree that's a good plan, what if something goes wrong. It would be easy enough for the death eaters to lure away the order members, leaving Hermione stranded."
"That's just a chance we will have to take", I replied. It really was a good idea. Besides, any chance I get to take on one of these idiots, then I'm down.
"Are you willing to take that chance?" Albus said, turning his attention to me.
"Yes, this could be what we need to get back on top of this war. We may be able to take out a large number of Voldemort's followers."
"I still don't like this idea! We shouldn't go through with it!" Severus spat, glaring at me. Oh man, was he pissed.
"I agree with Severus", Draco said, frowning.
"I agree with Lucius, Harry, and Hermione", Ron added. "This could be what we need."
"If Hermione is willing to go through with this, then I don't see the need to stop her", Albus said, softly. Albus' age was more visible on his face these days.
"Well, I guess we better go start our training, so Hermione is prepared", Severus said through clenched teeth. He stood up from the table, slammed his chair in and then stalked out of the room. I'm more afraid of him than I am of Voldemort. Shit! Severus and I have dueling this morning. He is going to kill me.
Five minutes later, I slowly entered the attic. I'm on guard this time; no doubt Severus is going to hex the shit out of me. Well, maybe not. He's standing in front of the window with his arms crossed over his chest, glaring at the outside world.
"Severus..." I spoke so softly I wasn't sure he heard me.
"Hurry up! We don't have all day!" Severus snapped and turned around. He started stalking over to me.
Damn, he's angry. Maybe I should cast a shield around myself. Severus didn't stop at the mark he was supposed to stand on, he was coming toward me.
"What are you doing?" I said and pointed my wand at him.
"Put your wand down, fool!" Severus said angrily, smacking my arm back down to my side. "We are going to have to spend most of our time over the next couple of days working on spells. Dark spells."
"Oh, right." That made sense; I still need to be careful around Severus though. I'm sure he's going to try and fire a hex at me at some point in time.
The next couple of days went by rather quickly. We all worked together most of the day. Practicing, dueling and defending ourselves. Severus and I spent the nights with him teaching me to cast and deflect dark spells. Severus calmed down after the first day, he still wasn't happy, but knew that there was no talking me down, which he tried to do on several occasions. Severus seemed to be really worried about me facing the death eaters alone, it gave me hope. Hope that he would actually take on a relationship with me and it'd actually go somewhere.
"Everyone is in position at the Ministry", Albus said, as we all sat around the table Thursday morning. "Kingsley, Order members, and some Auror's are stationed on the lower level of the Ministry where the attack will begin. Some Auror's have been left in the dark, so that it's not obvious that we knew of the attack. But, there will be enough time for them to join the battle."
"Remus is waiting at the Ministry for Hermione?" Severus questioned.
"Yes, I spoke with Kingsley; Remus will be waiting for Harry, Ron, and Hermione at the floo."
Severus, Lucius, and Draco both let out a hissing sound. It startled me at first, until I realized they were being summoned.
"We must leave", Lucius said standing, bringing Narcissa into his arms and kissing her gently. Narcissa clutched him tightly and then pulled Draco into her and Lucius, crushing him to her chest.
"You three need to prepare to leave", Albus said, nodding at me, Harry, and Ron. The three of us got up and walked into our bedroom. As ready as we all were, I'm sure the boys were just as scared as I am. But this is war; being scared is part of it.
"I'll be right back", I told the boys, as I headed toward the bathroom.
I just needed a moment to clear my head and focus. Today was not a day for me to be running around and not paying attention to anything. I had just reached the bathroom and grabbed a hold of the door knob, when I felt someone press their body into my back and push me against the wall.
"You must be focused today", Severus breathed into my ear, running his hands up my back.
"Yes, of course", I nearly moaned. This really wasn't helping me focus. Severus flipped me around and pressed his body back into mine. Gods, I could take him right here in this hallway.
"I'm serious. Keep your mind clear and your senses alert", Severus said as he kissed my neck gently. He slowly made his way to my mouth and kissed me, hard. I swear his kisses get better every time.
"I must go", Severus said, as he pulled his mouth away from mine.
"Wait." I wrapped my hands around his neck and laced my fingers into his hair. "Please, be careful. I don't want anything to happen to you."
"Severus, we need to leave", Lucius said from down the hall. He and Draco were waiting for him. Severus turned his head and nodded and then turned his attention back to me.
"I will be careful and you will do the same." Severus leaned forward and lightly kissed my lips, and then he untangled from me and walked down the hall.
This day couldn't get over any quicker.
Harry, Ron and I flooed to the Ministry. Remus was waiting on the other side.
"There you three are", Remus said, with a crooked smile.
"Hey, Remus", Harry said, happily. Judging by the two, it would seem we weren't about to battle against numerous death eaters.
"How are you three doing in the house? I've been meaning to drop in on you three. I can only imagine what you're doing in that house all alone."
We all grinned, if Remus only knew.
"Although, Kingsley did say Minerva had been staying in the house quite often. I'd imagine she's being a motherly figure?" Remus grinned.
Hardly, well ok, she has been. But most of the time her and Albus are in their room doing god knows what.
"Er, yes, something like that", Ron said.
Remus suddenly stopped walking; he pushed his arm out in front of us to stop our walking as well. Then I heard what Remus had, a blood curdling scream.
"Wands out, be on guard. Hermione your with me, boys do not stray far", Remus said firmly.
It was now eerily quiet. The four of us were making our way to the door we heard the screaming from, but hiding in the shadows at the same time. We didn't get out of view quick enough.
"I see them!" I heard someone yell. I turned to my right and saw a mask man charging us.
"Expelliarmus!" Harry bellowed, the man easily deflected the hex and started to speak his own.
"Petrificus Totalus!" I said quickly, catching the man off guard. He immediately froze up and hit the ground.
"Good work, you two", Remus said. "Harry make sure you're doing more then just disarming them."
"Yes I know, I just wasn't expecting someone to charge us so soon."
Remus nodded and we continued toward our destination. As soon as we turned a corner, chaos filled the air. There were Auror's, Order members, and death eaters everywhere. I hope I don't end up hexing Severus, Lucius, or Draco, there is no way to tell who is who under those death eater robes.
"We've been spotted", Harry said quickly. I looked over and four death eaters were running toward us.
"Alright, we need to split. Harry and Ron try to stay close to us", Remus said, dragging me to the right side of the hall.
The next thirty minutes was a blur. It was a combination or hexing, dodging curses, and kicking some death eater ass. There are two things I know for sure. One, there is still a considerable number of death eaters. Two, I have lost Remus. Five death eaters charged us and he had lured three away from me. After I had successfully defeated the two, Remus was no where in sight.
"All alone, mudblood?" A masked death eater said nastily, from beside me, pointing his wand at my face.
"Mudblood? That's all you can come up with. Not surprising, seeing as your brain is smaller than your penis."
Yup, that pissed him off. That wasn't entirely my intention, though. I was trying to buy time. I know the plan was to have the death eaters believe I am alone, but I am actually alone. I can see Harry and Ron all the way across the room. Minerva is close but not close enough. Anyone in range of me is wearing black robes and a death eater mask.
"You're going to pay for that, Mudblood!" The man yelled and then murmured something I couldn't hear. I easily deflected whatever it was he threw at me.
A curse was just about to leave my lips when I hit the floor with an ungodly pain in my head. My vision was blurred and I could feel blood gushing out of my nose. I'm positive I was just punched in the face.
"Fucking mudblood, you will think twice about speaking to me like that again!"
Probably not. Once I can stand up I plan on hexing the shit out of you. I could hear footsteps walking toward me. Please, let this be an order member or someone of that kind.
"Ah, I see we have ourselves a play thing?"
Dear gods, Bellatrix Lestrange. I really am fucked now, she's the craziest person on the face of this earth. I need to hex her or I'm dead. I peeked an eye open and she's looking at the other death eaters, this will probably be my only chance.
"Stupefy!" I cried, hitting Bella square in the forehead. The death eaters were caught off guard, giving me time to stand up.
I didn't quite catch what the death eater to my left said, but the next thing I knew I had a searing pain going through my right shoulder. Then, I caught an elbow to my cheek, knocking me back to the ground.
"Harry!" I bellowed as loud as I could. Hopefully someone heard me.
"You think that fucking brat can help you, he's dead!"
What! No, he has to be lying. I saw Harry minutes ago, fighting along side of Ron. He can't be dead. I did my best to stand back up, but was knocked back down and kicked in the ribs. I've never felt such horrible pain in my life.
"Who do you have over here?" It's Lucius! Gods, I hope he can get me away from here.
"Just a toy for the dark lord", one of the death eaters spat.
"Avery, you fool! The dark lord will not want this mudblood filth!" Lucius spat.
"He does! We were told if we could capture Potter or his friends we were to bring them straight to the dark lord!" Avery spat, angrily.
"Severus! Did you know anything of this?" Lucius sneered. I opened my eyes as much as I could. I knew Lucius was standing directly behind me and I'm positive Severus was standing to the left of him.
"No", Severus sneered, after a moment of hesitation. I think he just stumbled upon us accidentally.
"You two were off in your hiding spots when the dark lord informed us of his wants", Avery sneered back. "Just ask Nott."
"The dark lord told us to bring back Potter and his friends. He said he especially wanted the mudblood, for entertainment purposes", Nott responded.
Oh gods, I can feel the vomit rising in the back of my throat. It's not just vomit either; I can taste the copper metallic taste of blood.
"Well, you idiots. You've probably beat her to death! The dark lord will have no use for her!" Severus spat.
"The mudblood's still alive", Avery said, obviously annoyed. He took his boot and kicked down hard on my stomach, sending the vomit and blood gushing from my lips. "See, I told you."
"Get her up", Nott said, quickly. "We don't want the others to realize she is missing."
"No, Snape! This bitch is mine to bring to the dark lord, not yours!" Avery yelled.
I opened my eyes and saw that Severus had bent down to scoop me up, but Avery got to me first. He yanked me up by my right arm and snatched my wand off the floor. I let out a yelp, whatever spell cast on my shoulder before was left me in severe pain. Avery let out a laugh.
"Morsmordre" Avery said boredly, blasting the dark mark on the Ministry ceiling.
"What are you doing?!" Lucius spat.
"Giving the signal to get out of here. I believe our lord will be pleased with our work."
The nauseating feeling of apparition washed over me. It was worse then it ever had been. As soon as we landed Avery pushed me to the ground.
"Filth! It's bad enough I have to touch you, now you're throwing up on me!" I felt a sharp kick to my back and let out a cry. I couldn't help but sob, I'm in excruciating pain.
Avery grabbed me by my hair and drug me into a building. I didn't get quite a good look at it23c but it appeared we were going into some kind of manor or mansion. After a moment of walking, Avery let go of my hair.
"Little Malfoy! Watch this mudblood, if she gets away it's your ass!" Avery spat, walking into a room.
I look up and Draco is standing in front of me, or who I assume is Draco. I start to roll to my side and try to lift myself up. It's not going to well.
"Hermione, stay down!" Draco whispered anxiously.
I stick my hand out and start to summon Draco's wand. I can barely do wand-less magic, but it's all I can rely on right now. Draco's wand starts to wobble in his hand. I can tell he has no idea what to do. I hear a gasp and then a hand closes around Draco's hand and wand. The death eater looks from Draco to me then charges me. I instinctively cover my head; I'm too weak to do anything else.
"Stop doing that! If they know you can do wand-less magic, then you're dead", Severus spat, but I could hear the concern in his voice. I uncovered my head slightly and peered up at him. Severus gently put his hand on my cheek and I winced. There must be a bruise forming from where I got elbowed in the face. "Just stay still and try to pretend your unconscious, I will get you out of here."
Severus stood back up and billowed into the room Avery went into. I looked back at Draco and he looked like he was going to pass out. I probably look horrid with a swollen face and vomit all over myself. Probably a good thing my stomach and chest aren't visible.
The door slammed back open and Avery stomped out. He grabbed me by my hair again and drug me into the room he had just come from.
"Malfoy, come!" Avery ordered.
This isn't good. The room is filled with death eaters; they are all kneeling and circled around Voldemort, who is sitting in a throne like a chair. Figures that idiot would think himself a king.
"Ahh, I seeee we have a guest", Voldemort hissed. I'm definitely keeping my eyes closed. Not only because I'm suppose to be unconscious, but also because I know not only does Voldemort sound like a snake, he looks like one as well. I fucking hate snakes.
"I think she's unconscious, my lord", Avery said. I could feel him throw me to the floor and then kneel beside me. Coward, bowing down to this idiot.
"Yessss, I seeee. That'ss nothing we can't fix", Voldemort hissed. "Get on your feet, Avery. Wake her up!"
The next thing I felt was Avery's foot connecting with my rib cage. I let out a horrible scream and blood gushed from my throat. My eyes barley opened. So much for being unconscious.
"I seeee the lovely lady has graced ussss with her presence", Voldemort said, almost laughing.
I'm just not going to say anything. I can't go wrong with not saying anything. Avery's boot connected with my mouth, sending me sailing five feet across the floor. I guess I was wrong.
"Speak when the lord speaks to you", Avery spat.
Blood was gushing from my mouth, nose, and ear. I don't know how this idiot expects me to speak now.
"You're Hermione Granger?" Voldemort asked. I looked up, getting a good look at him. He is the ugliest thing I have ever seen. Voldemort's skin is literally like a snake, he has slit for eyes, and I have yet to find his ears.
"Yes", I choked, spitting blood onto the floor. I pulled myself up to my knees, if I lay on the floor any longer I was probably going to choke to death on my own blood.
"What information can you give me on Harry Potter, to spare your life?"
I snorted, was he serious? "You can't possibly believe I would tell you anything about Harry."
I saw Avery react out of the corner of my eye. He was bringing his leg up to kick me in the face again. I instinctively reacted by grabbing his leg and then kicking him in the crotch. Avery howled in pain and to my surprise, Voldemort started laughing.
"I see Auror training has taught you well", Voldemort commented. "Avery! Stay where you are! If you can't defend yourself from a mere Auror trainee, then you will not attack her." I looked over to see that Avery had gotten back to his feet and was about to attack.
As Voldemort reprimanded Avery, I glanced around the room. The death eaters were still in robes and mask, so I couldn't spot Severus. But, as I glanced around my eyes fell on a death eater with dark eyes, boring holes into mine. I could almost see the plea in Severus' eyes for me to be quiet and not give Voldemort another reason to harm me.
"You will tell me something about Harry Potter or I will find out the hard way and kill you", Voldemort said, grabbing my attention.
"No", was my only reply. My brain wasn't functioning enough for me to say anything else. I knew it was coming, the reason I was hanging onto as much strength as possible. Seconds after my reply I felt it, a stabbing sensation in the front of my forehead. Voldemort was trying to read my mind and there was no way I was going to let him. It lasted for minutes, but it seemed like hours.
"How the fuck can you block me!" Voldemort snarled. "Severussss! Come forward, now!" I dropped back down to the floor, laying face down. That took too much out of me. I'm not sure how much longer I can block him.
"Yes, my lord", Severus said a few seconds later. He came up beside me and kneeled on the floor.
"How is this mudblood so proficient at Legilimency? Who taught her?"
"I believe Dumbledore did, my lord. But, I can't be certain. Dumbledore made sure he taught Potter and his friends, before I killed him."
Voldemort snarled, "Pick that bitch up and see if you can read her!"
I felt Severus grasp me roughly by the shoulders and yank me to a kneeling position.
"Sit up!" Severus spat.
I did what he said. I didn't want to give Severus a reason to have to punish me. I knew it would hurt him as much as it did me. I could feel Severus penetrate my brain; I resisted at first, but couldn't hold on for much longer. The feeling wasn't stabbing and painful like Voldemort's was. Severus was being gentle and he actually wasn't reading my mind. It felt as though he was caressing it and I could feel him healing parts of the inside of my skull. I could also feel him willing me to hang on and to just breathe; he was going to get me out of this.
"Nothing, my lord", Severus panted. "That old fool must have taught her well."
"The Mudblood is of no use. Avery, kill her!" Avery let out a grunt and jumped to him feet from the floor.
"Wait, my lord, please forgive me for speaking out of turn, but may I suggest something?" Severus asked.
"What is it, Severusssss!"
"Perhaps, you should send her back to Potter in this state. The likelihood of her actually surviving these injuries is slim. Potter is hot-headed, once he takes a look at her he will react and to our advantage. Potter will come searching for us, he will be vulnerable and easy to capture and kill."
"No! My lord, she is mine!" Avery spat.
"Shut up you fool! Crucio!" Voldemort yelled, sending Avery into a withering mess. "Severussss, you pose a good point. Which I will take into consideration, but we are not done with the Mudblood yet."
"Yes, my lord", Severus responded.
"Draco Malfoy, come!" Voldemort ordered. There was a shuffling of robes and Draco was standing beside Severus.
"Yes, my lord", Draco said, kneeling down.
"I want you to fuck this Mudblood; you still have to prove you are a loyal servant of him."
What! No, no, I will not let this happen! I'm doing everything I can to pull myself up, but I could feel a strong force holding me down. I'm positive it's Severus; I know he can do wandless, non-verbal magic.
"My lord, I have another request", Severus said quickly.
"Severusss that is the second time you spoke out of turn!" Voldemort spat. "If you weren't such a loyal servant I'd kill you right here. What is it?"
"Yes, I apologize, sir. But, I must request my vengeance on the Mudblood. She has been the biggest pain in my ass for the last seven years; you must let me have her, not Draco."
Voldemort was quiet for the longest time. It required too much energy for me to open my eyes, so I have no idea what facial expression he's holding. The longer he's quiet the more sure I am that I'm going to die and Severus probably will too.
"You surprise me, Severussss. I know you don't like to partake in our entertainment activities. But, if this bitch has been that much of an annoyance then she's yours."
"I must insist that I do this in private. I know the rules, but partaking in such activities in front of everyone does not hold an appeal to me", Severus said smoothly.
"I will grant your request, Severusss. But, you will have an audience. Lucius and your godson will be in attendance and I and a few others will be watching from another room. Take her to one of the rooms, now."
"Thank you, my lord", Severus said. He quickly stood up and levitated me, walking toward the door, followed by a handful of other death eaters.