Day 11

God.

It's been eleven days.

Eleven.

I can't even believe it. It seems so long, but at the same time I have a feeling it was only yesterday I was safe at Hogwarts.

How did it come to this?

I look at Professor Snape, sitting on the chair next to his mattress. He seems uncomfortable. Immediately my cheeks blush as I remember the scene from yesterday. He had a...little problem yesterday.

Is it gone now?

By the expression on his face, it does not seem like it. Or perhaps he is just moody this morning?

It's wrong. I should not be thinking about that.

How I am ever going to be able to look at him without remembering...? If by some miracle we are rescued and everything goes back to normal, will I be able to sit in his classroom, listening to his lecture? As if nothing had happened? And what about him? Would he even want to be my teacher?

But I want him to be my teacher. His snarky personality aside, he is one of the best teachers at Hogwarts.

I take a deep breath, realizing how dumb my thoughts are. We are still captured and I am already thinking about the life after the rescue.

Stupid.

ooo

"Professor, I am starting to believe...I've been Obliviated," I say, cutting through the silence.

We haven't spoken much since we woke up. And that leaves a lot of time to think, to analyze, to put pieces together and try to remember what happened to me.

"Care to explain?" he looks at me with a dark expression.

He does not seem interested in my theory, only annoyed. Why is that? Does he not want to know how we ended up in this dungeon?

"Well...I can't remember anything...the last thing I remember is getting a detention from you."

Snape raises an eyebrow at me, waiting for me to continue and I take a deep breath, collecting my thoughts.

"You said I had hit my head and the memories would eventually come back to me."

"I did," he agrees.

"Only they didn't. I still can't remember anything," I say, frustrated.

He remains silent and that annoys me even more. Why is he like that? It seems like he's deliberately trying to be unhelpful.

"What bothers me is...you said I served detention with Filch. Why with him? Why didn't I serve detention with you?"

He sighs, "Miss Granger, what is the point of this conversation?"

"How were they able to kidnap me at Hogwarts?" I ask, looking at him.

"Perhaps you weren't at Hogwarts at the time."

"What? Where could I be?"

"I do not know. We were not...brought here at the same time."

"You were here earlier?"

"At least half a day earlier."

I nod, trying to process that. But it does not help. I am still no closer to the truth.

Looking around nervously, I try to decide whether or not to ask the next question. Perhaps it would not be smart, Professor has already said he does not want to talk about it. But I need answers.

After a few long moments, I gather my courage and force myself to speak, "Professor...what about you? Do you remember how you got captured?"

His face hardens and he does not answer immediately, but when he speaks, it's low and quiet, "I told you it would not be wise to discuss it."

"And that was a few days ago. It was different. Now...I want to know. Tell me."

"Granger - "

"Are you afraid they might be listening to us?"

He shakes his head, "No, that is not what they do. They like free will. If they are going to get anything useful from us, they would want us to do it because we want to."

"Alright, then why can't you tell me? Where were you? What were you doing? Was it at Hogwarts?"

"Too many questions, Granger," he snaps.

I bite my lower lip, preventing myself from snapping back at him.

"There are some things you are not supposed to know," he adds quietly.

"Why?"

"This is becoming tiresome," he says, rolling his eyes at me.

"Well, I apologize if I am trying to remember what happened to us, Professor," I turn away from him, anger boiling inside of me.

He says nothing. Neither do I.

ooo

A short laugh escapes me.

I don't even know what is funny. There is nothing even remotely funny about being locked up in a dungeon with Professor Snape.

But again, a laugh escapes me.

Professor Snape looks at me, his face actually concerned.

I laugh again. And again.

And again.

Soon, I am laughing hysterically, the sound of it hitting the walls of the dungeon.

My eyes are watering, I am laughing so hard.

"Miss Granger?"

His voice sends me over the edge and I laugh even harder, if possible.

"Miss Granger, stop that right now."

I can't stop. My whole body is shaking with laughter and the more I try to stop, the funnier everything seems.

It actually comes to the point where I can't breath and my stomach is hurting, but still the laughter does not stop.

What is wrong with me?

"Granger!" he snaps.

I immediately press my hand against my mouth, trying to calm down. And it actually works and slowly my body stops shaking. It's over.

Clearing my throat, I remove my hand and try to look serious. I don't want to embarrass myself even more in front of Professor Snape. He is still looking at me oddly, but says nothing.

A chuckle escapes me and I cover my mouth with my hand, stopping it before it turns into laughter.

Soon I start feeling normal again.

"Better?" he suddenly asks and I look at him, slowly nodding.

For some reason I do feel better.

ooo

"You," the guard points at Professor Snape, "Come with us."

I look at him, worried, but his expression is calm. It's probably just the visit to the loo. Nothing to be worried about.

Once I am alone in the dungeon I finally allow myself to curl into a ball, taking deep breaths and wishing the cramps would go away. It's bad enough I have to go through that while being locked up in a dungeon and the last thing I want to experience are cramps.

I press my face into the mattress, groaning loudly at the painful feeling of something contracting in my lower stomach.

It will go away. It always does. I just have to be patient and wait.

With my eyes closed, the silence in the dungeon causes my breathing to slow down and I almost fall asleep. Just as I am about to lose myself, the doors open loudly.

Professor Snape is back and he seems unharmed.

His eyes land on me and he arches his eyebrow in interest. I can just imagine how I look like, curled up, covered with his cloak, almost dying.

"It's your turn, little girl," the guard says and motions for me to get up.

Taking a deep breath, I somehow pull myself up. I really do need that visit to the loo. I've got one of the pieces of Snape's undershirt with me, desperately needing to attend to myself.

I can feel Professor Snape's eyes on me as I slowly walk over to the guard, wrapping my arms around my torso. I try to straighten up, but fail miserably. Thankfully I am then led out of the dungeon, away from Snape's suspicious eyes.

ooo

"You do not seem alright," he comments as soon as the guard disappears, leaving us both alone in the dungeon.

I sit down onto my mattress, covering myself with his cloak. Has it gotten really cold or am I just imagining it?

He does not seem cold.

"Miss Granger?" he asks.

"I'm...not feeling so well," my own voice shocks me, it's so weak and quiet.

Professor Snape nods, "Yes, the lack of food is starting to affect us. Still, I do not believe they will continue with this for too long. We are of no use to them dead."

I lower my eyes, not saying anything.

"Perhaps..." he continues, "It is not the lack of food that is affecting you."

"I'll be fine," I assure him.

I am always fine.

"What is the matter?" he asks, not looking away from me.

I don't want to talk about it. I don't want to talk with him. All I want and need at the moment is sleep.

And a warm bed.

And a cup of tea.

And - .

Stop it, Hermione.

I sigh, closing my eyes for a moment, "My stomach hurts."

"I understand. I assure you, Miss Granger, I am going through the same thing."

A laugh escapes me at hearing that, "No, I don't think you are, Professor."

"My body is protesting too, the lack of food is quite a torture."

"I...I'm not talking about that," a smile vanishes from my face, "I'm having a...really really bad cramps."

Silence.

"Oh," is all he says.

I look up at him and notice the slight blush on his face. He is probably feeling foolish of being so ignorant about the whole situation. And of course, he is a man, he does not want to talk about such things. Especially with his student.

"I never realized it could have such an effect," he comments, observing me with a serious expression.

"It's been worse," I reply, then suddenly it hits me what I'm discussing with Professor Snape and I look away in discomfort.

He takes a deep breath, "Is there...anything I could do to help?"

I shake my head, forcing a slight smile, "Thank you. But it'll pass on it's own. I just...need a bit of rest."

He nods, then walks away to his side of the dungeon as if giving me privacy. But privacy is something I haven't had for eleven days. And perhaps this is the way is will be until the end.

I quickly push those thoughts away. I cannot allow myself to think like that. Positive thoughts are what I need at the moment.

Sadly, I am unable to find any.

ooo

The thing I feared the most has come.

After two long days the guards finally decided to visit us.

It's not just a visit to the loo. It's that guard, the leader, the most disgusting human being I've ever met.

I quickly stand up and move as away from him as possible. There are two guards with him, I can't remember ever seeing them before.

"My sincere apology for keeping you waiting for so long," the leader speaks, looking at both me and Professor Snape.

"No apology needed. All that matters is that you are here now," Professor Snape replies and I can feel the venom in his voice.

The guard laughs, "True."

I swallow hard, remembering the ultimatum we were given the last time that man was here. He said that only one would survive, the one who decides to help them first.

Professor Snape is not going to help them, at least that was what he said to me. And the last thing on my mind is helping those criminals. So I can't imagine what they would do to us when they realize we are still not willing to cooperate.

"Here is what we are going to do," the guards says with a cruel smile, "The one who decides to help us, will be led into elegant, warm rooms with a dinner waiting."

My stomach complains loudly at that, but I keep my face emotionless.

"What have you decided?" he asks, waiting for us to reply.

I say nothing.

Neither does Professor Snape.

Silence.

Seconds pass and the expression on the leader's face turns from satisfied to annoyed and then to angry.

"Still stubborn, I see," he comments, then shakes his head, "How foolish."

Then suddenly Professor Snape steps forward and my eyes widen in shock. He isn't going to - ?

What is he doing?

I trusted him.

The guards smirks, "Excellent. I do admit I was hoping it would be you. You do posses more valuable information than that little girl."

I can't even hide the shock and disbelief on my face. I simply stand there, unable to do or say anything.

Professor Snape finally speaks, "You will get me...if you let her go."

What?

"That was not a part of our agreement," the guard replies.

"I am making it a part," Professor barks back, "Let her go and you can use me as you wish."

I step forward, grabbing Professor's arm, "You are not doing this!"

"Granger - "

"No! It's not an option," I insist.

"How...sweet," the guard comments, a smirk on his face.

I ignore him, turning all my attention to Professor Snape, "We are in this together."

"Be smart, Granger!"

"I will not be a coward!" I raise my voice, "You are not going to sacrifice yourself for me!"

"Touching," the guard says and I look at him, "But you forget that I am the one to make decision here."

I let go of Professor's arm and turn towards the guards.

He continues, "And I am not letting anyone go. Either you help us or you die. There is no other option."

"Then you can forget about getting anything from me," Snape says, his voice cold.

"I am not so sure about that."

What does he mean by that?

There is that dangerous and sick look in his eyes. It sends shivers down my body.

"I have just realized something," he continues, "I was wrong by trying to get others to hurt you."

What?

"Perhaps you two could turn against each other," he finishes and my eyes immediately turn to Professor Snape.

I realize he is already looking at me. He's worried and that frightens me. If there is concern in Professor Snape's eyes then there is a reason to be concerned.

"Severus Snape," the guard smirks, "I am aware of the fact that you are able to resist the Imperious Curse. But...if you are weakened, perhaps your resilience would be weakened too."

What is he talking about?

Whatever he is planning, it is sick and twisted. I can just see it on his face.

He suddenly raises his wand, "Crucio!"

I let out a scream as Professor Snape drops to the ground, his body shaking and twisting violently.

Oh God. Oh God.

"Stop it!" I demand, not knowing what else to do.

I feel so pathetic.

So helpless.

If only I could look away. My eyes are stuck on Professor Snape as he shakes under the Curse. No voice is coming from him, expect for the short breaths that he takes.

"Please, stop it," I whisper, dropping to the floor.

Suddenly the Curse is lifted and Professor's body stills. Only his chest is moving and I crawl up to him, not knowing what to do.

"Professor?" I ask quietly, deciding should I touch him or not.

He opens his eyes and looks at me, his breath still coming in short, painful gasps.

"Imperio."

I look up at the guards, noticing the smirks on their faces.

"Professor Snape," the leader smiles, "What should I make you do? Hmm?"

I try to calm down. Whatever it is, I will handle it. Everything is going to be alright. I look at Professor Snape and even though his eyes seem calm and soulless, there is panic in them. I can see it through the blankness, caused by the Imperio.

It's like he is warning me.

Suddenly I try to stand up and get away from him, but find myself unable to.

I can't move.

My body is not obeying me.

Panic shoots through me at the horrible realization.

Body-bind Curse.

We are completely at their mercy now.

Breath, Hermione.

Just breath.

"Professor Snape, do slap that pretty face of your student," the guards orders, malice evident in his tone.

I close my eyes and immediately I can feel a hand connect to my cheek. My head turns with the force of it and a cry of pain escapes me.

God, it hurt.

It still hurts.

Is my jaw broken?

Opening my eyes, I can see Professor Snape staring at me, his whole body tense and...trembling. His head is twitching and I know what he is trying to do. He is attempting to break through the curse, but he is weak. The Cruciatus has left him completely weakened.

My eyes connect with his and I try to assure him that I am fine.

I don't blame him.

He has not hurt me.

I try to smile, but fail miserably.

"Did that feel good?" the guard asks, "I am positive she annoyed you during all those years. The Death Eater in you surely wanted to put her in her place, correct?"

Professor's eyes do not move away from mine.

"What should we do now?" the guard continues, "Since you two seem to have formed a bond, how about we take that up to the next level?"

"N-No," the word silently escapes Professor's mouth and my eyes widen in hope that perhaps he is resisting the Curse, but when he does not move, all my hope is destroyed.

"We could start with a kiss?" the guard's voice cuts through me and I start feeling sick to my stomach.

No, no, no.

"Severus Snape, give your student a proper kiss."

NO!

I try to move away from him, but my body is frozen.

Come on, Hermione. Move!

Nothing happens.

My own body is betraying me.

Before I realize what is happening, his lips are on mine, pressing, claiming, demanding.

My stomach turns as I realize what is happening.

It's sick.

Then suddenly strong arms push me away and I land on the ground, next to the wall. Then everything happens in less than a second. I look up and see Professor Snape grab the leader, but then he is sent flying and his back hits the wall painfully.

"That...was not playing nicely," the guard drawls, pointing his wand at both of us.

I am still in shock and completely speechless.

After straightening his robes, the leader speaks again, "This was only a sample of what could happen."

"Bastards," Snape mutters, his eyes burning with rage.

"We can do much worse, we can make you do much worse."

Silence.

I can still feel Professor's lips on mine and I furiously wipe my mouth with my hand, wanting to erase any evidence of what happened.

"Think about that," the guard says, then conjures two glasses of water, "We cannot allow you to take the easy way out, can we?"

They all leave then.

The water is completely forgotten. Neither of us even acknowledge it.

I know I should go to Professor Snape and see if he is alright. He was the one tortured with the Cruciatus Curse and sent flying into the wall. He could be seriously hurt. I know all that. Still, I don't move. I can't move. I can't be close to him.

His breathing is the only sound in the dungeon.

Am I even breathing?

"Damn it!"

My eyes snap to him at hearing his angry voice. He punches the wall with his fist, then hisses at the pain that shoots through him.

I still don't move.

He is furious.

"Damn it all!"

I realize I have to speak.

It would not be good for us if he goes crazy.

I need to make everything right.

Even though it's not right.

"Professor," I start, then realize how wrong that sounded, "Calm down, please."

"That is not possible, Miss Granger," he snaps.

"Please - "

"I have just...forced myself on my student."

"No," I shake my head, "You were forced - "

"And I might be forced to do other things, bad things, disgusting things and there is nothing I can do to prevent it!"

I close my eyes, trying to not react. His words frighten me, sicken me, but I must not give in to fear.

"We will think of something," I say quietly.

"I have thought of something and you wasted that chance!" he is furious, "I could have gotten you out of here and you refused!"

"I can't leave you here."

He snorts, "That was foolish of you. Now you will face the consequences."

He is angry at me.

And I can't stand it.

I want him to be considerate, to be wise, to tell me that somehow everything is going to be alright.

But he's not.

"Prepare yourself," he speaks with disgust, "I will be doing things that your innocent little mind has never even imagined existed."

"Stop it."

"Why? I think you have every right to know what you got yourself into," his voice is cold.

"I'm sorry!" I cry out, "I just couldn't leave you here. Why are you punishing me for that?"

"Because," he says, "Because of your unwillingness to be selfish and leave, I will have to go through much worse things. I would be better off with you gone."

I am stupid.

Why did I have to open my mouth and protest?

He clearly does not want me here.

"I'm sorry," I repeat.

"That does not change things, Miss Granger."

He does not even look at me.

It's like I'm not even there.

Darkness fills the dungeon and I realize I have never felt this alone before.

A/N: Sorry for the wait! Hope you like the chapter, soon worse things will happen, hope you are prepared for it. A big Thank You to all who read and review. I like hearing your suggestions, hopefully I will use them all some time in the story. Tell me what you think! :)