Authors note: Hey guys, sorry that I haven't updated this story in a while. Here we go, next chapter for you now though. Severus Snape to the rescuuuuuuuuue =D Enjoy - Bee x
Severus was reading over the plan he had just finished writing when the all too familiar and unwelcome searing pain on his forearm disturbed him. His hissed and pressed his hand to the Dark Mark, instantly finding himself transported to the Malfoy Manor. The pain subsided instantly and Severus was relieved, as always. He was in the grand ballroom and the Dark Lord was seated before him. He bowed down low before the maniac, keeping the position of submission as he waited for the Dark Lord to bid him rise. When he did, Severus straightened, tall and proud, before his only living Master.
"Soon all this resistance against us will be crushed as the symbol of hope, Harry Potter, dies. Whilst bringing my wayward wife home, the Mudblood Hermione Granger was caught. With her we shall lure Potter to his long overdue demise" The Dark Lord's words rang through the room, reverberating against the walls. Severus' blood ran cold at the mention of Hermione, and was barely ale to contain himself when her capture was announced. He felt his heart begin to ache at the thought of her being hurt, and that raging fury rear it's head within him. He surreptitiously glanced over at Bellatrix Lestrange, whose entire body seemed to be vibrating from excitement, her eyes sparkling dangerously, her expression one of fanaticism. She would be more than happy to torture Hermione to within an inch of her precious life. Severus vowed that he would kill her if she hurt Hermione in any way at all
"I believe this calls for a celebration" As soon as the Dark Lord's words had reached them the Death Eater's grinned gleefully to each other. The Dark Lord gestured to the door of the Ballroom and they were opened wide. The woman in the miniature Lucius had given Severus was clutching tightly to Luna Lovegood and Hermione. Luna had her face pressed into the woman's side so he could not see the damage done to her. Hermione on the other hand was staring out at them all vacantly. Severus shuddered internally. Her expression horrified him; it was as though she had no life left in her. Severus managed to tear his gaze away from her vacant eyes and looked to the rest of her body, assessing the damage.
Deep claw marks covered her fragile petite body, some still oozing blood. Her clothes were shredded, hanging off of her and barely covering her more private areas. Everywhere else was exposed for all to see. It was obvious that Fenrir had gotten to her, which might explain why she was so withdrawn. He was a monstrosity. Severus felt sick with anger at the thought of that beast touching Hermione.
"Do with the girl's as you wish. Bring my wife to me" The Dark Lord ordered. In response the woman tightened her grip on both Luna and Hermione, drawing them even closer to her. It could have been a touching sight, that one small action. An attempt to try to protect and shield them from the evil that slowly advanced on them. It was futile though
Severus stood on the spot, frozen as he watched one death eater wrench Luna from the woman. Another death eater that Severus recognized with disgust, Avery, took hold of Hermione and gently encircled her in his arms. At his touch Hermione seemed to awake from her stupor and immediately begin to struggle, her eyes as wide as dinner plates, terror making her body quiver. Avery smirked and pushed her forward till she fell to the ground. Severus could not see what was happening to Luna, all he could see was Hermione. Avery knelt down next to her on the ground, running his fingers lightly across her skin. His hand lingered on the inside of her thighs, pinching viciously, before slowly ascending. Severus could take no more and barely realized what he was doing till he had his wand at Avery's heart, his hand clutching the scum's throat.
Silence descended in the room and Severus could feel all eyes on him. He had his wand pressed hard against Avery's chest, precisely where the man's heart was, a curse on his lips. His hand was tight enough around the death eater's throat to prevent him from speaking. Avery looked up at Severus with a mixture of shock and amusement on his face, despite the situation.
"Ssssssseverus. What are you doing?" The Dark Lord asked, his voice a hissing drawl. Severus looked over to him, his dark eyes meeting the vivid scarlet
"About to hex this son of a bitch My Lord" Severus replied to the snake like man truthfully, for once, awaiting his Master's displeasure. Instead the Dark Lord surprised all of them gathered there. He laughed
"Why Severus?" He asked, clearly in a good mood. Severus would be a fool if he did not attempt to take advantage of this good mood whilst it lasted.
"He was touching what I believe to be mine" Severus replied, deliberately ignoring everyone else in the room, Hermione included, so as to focus fully on the Dark Lord. He said nothing, reclining in his throne, a thoughtful expression taking control of his features. Severus waited, unsure if he was awaiting punishment or not. Eventually the Dark Lord moved forward slightly in his chair, leaning towards Severus, eyes locked with his. Severus could feel him reaching into his mind and he swiftly put up shields around certain memories and thoughts that the Dark Lord could not see if he wished to continue living. So as not to arouse suspicion Severus projecting false images, impressions and memories where the shields were. Severus waited until he felt the Dark Lord leave his mind before halting the false projections.
"Then I give her to you Severus, for you're never ceasing loyalty and all you have don for our cause" The Dark Lord said, a few decibels louder than before so that everyone in the room could hear. Severus pocketed his wand and reluctantly released his hold on Avery. He bent to pull Hermione to her feet. She clung to him for a few moments before jumping back, horror etched into her face. The expression was very, very convincing. If Severus had not known better he would have thought she was being genuine
"Ssseverus, you and your mudblood are excused" Severus nodded and dragged Hermione with him out of the Ballroom. He pulled her down the halls with him till he reached a shiny, polished door. He knocked sharply before striding into the room, dragging Hermione with him.
Lucius Malfoy looked up from his book at the sound of the intrusion. He raised an eyebrow at Severus in a move that somehow looked choreographed. His gaze flickered briefly to Hermione before moving back to Severus
"I need to get out of here Lucius" Severus said hurriedly, not wanting to linger any longer than he had to. Lucius may be his friend, but this was the Snake's Den and he did not want Hermione here. Lucius gestured to the fireplace beside him, reclining further into his armchair, looking like the nobility he was with his immaculate clothing, clean shaven face and crossed legs.
"Be my guest. Will you be rescuing Miss Lovegood also?" Lucius asked in a deceptively innocent tone, seeming to be inquiring with no ulterior motive. Severus knew better though and had to wonder exactly what Lucius was trying to find out. Severus shook his head, deciding to deal with that and anything else Lucius related later
"Ah so only Miss Granger. I wonder why" Lucius murmured musingly, one pale finger tapping his chin as he appeared to be thinking. Severus glared at him before drawing Hermione to him with one arm. He used the other to drop the floo powder into the fireplace. The flames turned a beautiful green and Severus, along with Hermione, stepped into the fireplace, the flames harmlessly licking their legs
"Headmasters Office, Hogwarts" Severus said clearly, gently squeezing Hermione in what was an attempt at a comforting gesture. Lucius's study, and the man himself, disappeared from sight as the world became a blur of whirling green before they were ejected into his office.