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Thank you to emily02 for reviewing the last two chapters. It's because of her this chapter has come so quick. Thanks ever so much emily02...

Chapter 12

'I won't scream... I won't give him that satisfaction.' Another jet of red light caused the already tortured man to writhe in silent agony.

"Now, tell me again why you haven't brought the Weaver to us. Do you really enjoy pain so much?" Sneering, Lucius Malfoy removed his mask to see his opponent clearer. "Answer me, fool." He growled, "Do you think Dumbledore would care if I killed you now? You are nothing but a pawn."

'Severus... Listen to me. Open your mind.' The feminine voice whispered across his mind. Listening to the one he vowed to protect, the Traitor turned Saviour opened his memory for dissection, flooding images of kidnapping, beatings and cruel spells all at the hands of two Slytherin boys. Hearing the gasp as the spell broke, Severus looked up to find Malfoy and Zabini looking at him in shock.

"It seems, Gentlemen, your sons have done what you failed to do. Be proud, for they are the next generation."

Trailing his gaze to the floor, Severus fought the urge to cringe as Voldemort settled a sand papery hand beneath his chin. Maintaining eye contact, Voldemort nodded and said, "You have done well. So sorry about the mistake. Now," glaring at Malfoy and Zabini, "you two will have to prove you can keep up."

As his surroundings went dark, Severus heard, 'Rest and be well. You will be home soon...'

_+_+_+_+_+

"Severus, Severus you need to wake up. Come on, you've slept long enough."

"-Leave him be. He spent half the night writhing in pain. He finally calmed down when Hermione came in."

Shaking my head, I tried to grab the attention of one of the voices around me. I told my body to reach out and my hand connected with another. Without opening my eyes, I rasped out, "Where is she? I can't hear her anymore."

The hand enfolding mine tightened and a voice responded, "She was here all night. When she finally fell asleep, Charlie took her to her room. Would you like me to send for her?"

"No, she'll need all the rest she can get. She was right, Remus. He's going to strike Samhain." Drinking down the offered vial of Pepper up and pain reliever, I flexed my hand.

Leaning my head against the pillow, I looked around at my surroundings. Remus, noting my perusal of the room, explained, "You were in such bad shape, you came directly to the Head rooms. This is an extra bedroom off of Hermione's suite. It is usually used for those students who need extra looking after. The first years, for instance."

Shaking my head, I asked, "Should I even bother asking why I wasn't taken to the Hospital Wing? I take it our dear Hermione wouldn't hear of me leaving her sight."

Chuckling, Remus handed me a cup of tea as he took a seat next to my bed.

"You're right. Did you honestly think any of us were going to win a fight against her?" Rubbing the exhaustion from his eyes, Remus became quiet. It didn't take a mind reader to determine he had something he was hiding.

"Remus, what's wrong? If you don't tell me, I'm going to floo Tonks and give her your poetry." Knowing his weak spot was his love for the pink haired Auror, I shamelessly used it to gain the information I wanted.

"Severus, it seems you and Hermione are more connected than we thought. She dreamed the entire encounter. She saw what you saw. She was even able to plant memories in your mind. From what we can tell, it saved your life."

Nodding, I replied, "I could hear her. She told me to open my mind. If it hadn't been for her, He would have killed me in a heartbeat. We also have the added assurance of Draco and Blaise's safety. He believes they kidnapped her and tortured her."

The sound of someone falling up the stairs caught our ears. We glanced at each other and at the door as the one and only Nymphadora Tonks walked in. Her usual pink, spiky hair was gone, replaced with shoulder length brown. Her boundless energy seemed to have left her as she slumped down in the chair nearest to the fire. Her gaze didn't leave the flame as Remus went over and wrapped a warm blanket around her.

Testing my limbs, I silently walked over, despite the pain, and crouched before her. Taking a hand, I asked, "What's wrong? What happened?"

Her lifeless eyes looked back at me as she answered, "There was another raid. We couldn't get there in time..." Trailing off, her gaze went back to the fire as Remus answered the knock on the door.

"-What happened? She said there was a raid. Albus, what happened?"

I looked up as Bill, Kingsley, and Albus walked through the door. The sorrow on their faces made clear to me our discussion would soon turn to the young woman asleep in her bed.

"I fear, Severus, our arrogance has come to haunt us. Ms. Granger's parents are gone. Their home was destroyed and the Dark Mark was hanging in the night sky."

Falling heavily on the seat nearest to me, I let my head hang as the room suddenly became cold and dark. Looking to Remus, I asked, "What are we going to tell her?"

_+_+_+_+_+_+

"It has begun. He is growing stronger as we speak. Hermione, there is so much more you need to learn. You are running out of time."

The dream scape of ancient Hogwarts loomed ahead as five figures met beneath a large Hemlock tree. Gazing across the lake, the petite brunette turned to her companions and asked, "What more can I learn? There isn't enough time."

Walking forward, the dark haired man grasped her by the shoulders and quietly demanded, "Why are you giving up? This battle isn't over. It will never be over until he is well and truly dead. Where has your faith and confidence gone?"

Looking up with tear filled eyes, the young woman replied, "My parents are gone. What more do I have to fight for? They would be alive if it weren't for me."

Gathering her in his arms, the Founder of Slytherin House rocked her from side to side as her tears fell in torrents. Whispering against her ear, he replied, "You must fight for them. You are our saving grace. Without you, our world will perish in flame and blood. Promise me. Promise me you will fight."

Wiping her face, Hermione Granger looked at her ancestor and said, "I Promise."

_+_+_+_+_+_

Waking from my dream, I felt the wetness upon my cheeks. Closing my eyes, I felt the hand of the man I love tracing the path my tears have taken. Looking into his blue eyes, I answered his silent question, "My parents are gone. He took them from me, and now he will pay."

Placing a kiss on my lips, Charlie replied, "What do you want me to do?"

"Stay with me awhile. I can hear the others talking, but I can't go out there. Not yet." Burrowing closer, I ducked my head beneath his chin, much like a kitten would cuddle with her parent. Taking one last breath, I waited for sleep to claim me when I heard,

'The storm is coming. The Tribunal will be there when you need us. Sleep, child. Sleep...'

Wow, this one was quick... I was naughty. Hmm... Now what did I do with Hermione's parents...

Oh, and please review. I can't know if I need to fix something if someone doesn't tell me. My mind reading ability has been rather sketchy as of late...

This one's for you emily02.