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Chapter 21

He apparated into a small clearing. He rubbed a hand over his forearm, trying to soothe the pain, knowing it was pointless and that it would go as soon as he was facing Voldemort. He knew he was getting closer to the spot as the pain lessened somewhat.

After another five minute walk, he entered another larger clearing, this time full of Death Eaters and, Voldemort himself. He was quite surprised at the vast number of Death Eaters in attendance. That could only mean that this was an important meeting, if every Death Eater was there.

He spotted Lucius in conversation with another Death Eater, though Severus couldn't tell who it was. Next to Lucius was Draco, their blonde hair glowing under the moonlight. He spotted another cloaked figure next to Draco, one he just didn't recognise, which was strange since he practically knew everyone. He was about to get a closer look when a voice stopped him.

"Ah," Voldemort's cold voice cut through the noise of the crowd, "Severus, you've finally arrived. Good, I did not want to begin the…festivities without you."

"My apologies My Lord. I left as soon as I was summoned."

"Not to worry, Severus. I know how difficult it is for you with the old fool walking around the school."

"Indeed."

Severus knelt before him, kissing the hem of his robes, before joining the circle. As soon as Voldemort was satisfied everyone was in order, he spoke once more, addressing them all.

"Now, I received some information a few days ago regarding our new target. One Miss Granger," Severus felt an invisible hand squeeze down on his stomach as her name was mentioned.

"Yes, since I have learnt of her new…situation I have also had to rethink my plans to be rid of her as well. I will not inform you of my plan, as it doesn't include all of you. I will say, that I no longer want her harmed and that is an order for ALL of you to follow."

Severus fought to keep his face impassive as he listened to him rant on about world domination. His head was spinning. He knew! The Dark Lord knew about him and Hermione! What was he going to do? He couldn't deny it, that would be suicide!

All too soon, the meeting came to a close. Death Eaters were apparating out when Severus heard his name being called.

"Not so fast Severus, I would like a word with you before you go."

He inwardly cringed at the tone…oh yes, he was definitely not happy with him. He sighed and prepared himself for the worst, closing off his mind, before turning to face his 'master'. He hoped this would be quick. He didn't want Hermione to stay up too late worrying, which he knew she would.

Back at Hogwarts, Hermione was doing just that. She re read the letter for what seemed to be the one hundredth time, hoping to find something more written there. She stood up in frustration, needing to do something. He had been gone for almost two hours and she wasn't sure how much longer she could wait and she knew it would be pointless trying to sleep.

She decided to floo the Headmaster, maybe he could help put her mind at rest, besides it would pass some time.

She grabbed a handful of powder and threw it into the fireplace, shouting said destination. She didn't have to wait long before she saw his face sticking out of the fireplace.

"Ah Miss Granger, what can I do for you at such a late hour?"

"Severus had been summoned over an hour ago and he hasn't come back yet. From what you told me earlier I'm worried about him. I was just wondering if we could talk or something."

"Of course, come through."

He moved away from the fireplace, allowing Hermione to step through."

Severus held back a sigh of relief as the curse was ended after what seemed to be a lifetime. He had endured the torture for the last hour, wondering if he was going to end up like Alice and Frank Longbottom. Finally, Voldemort's voice rang out, breaking the silence.

"That will do for now, Severus. I hope you have learned not to keep something like this from me ever again."

"No, My Lord," Severus managed to croak out.

"Good, now get up and you will do well to follow the plan. You realise what will happen if you don't?" He looked down at Severus, his tone threatening.

Severus nodded as he struggled to his feet, pain lacing his joints and muscles, protesting at the sudden movement. He watched as Voldemort apparated before attempting to do the same.

As soon as he reached the gates of Hogwarts he collapsed, his body unable to go on. He just about managed to conjure a Patronus to get to Dumbledore before he finally gave in to the darkness closing in around him.

By the time Hermione was allowed to see him, he was in their room, asleep thanks to the sleeping potion Madame Pomphrey gave him. She had worked on him for half an hour before allowing him fit enough to be put in his own bed. She warned Hermione not to disturb him, or excite him when he woke. She added this as an afterthought looking sternly at Hermione.

They would have to wait until he woke up to find out what happened and to see if there was any permanent damage. Hermione lay beside him and allowed her eyes to drift closed now she knew he was in safe hands.

She was disappointed to find he was still asleep when she woke up the next day. She checked over him before walking into the living room. She was surprised to find a letter on the table and an owl next to it, looking expectant. She gave it something to eat and turned to the letter.

Judging from the writing, it was from Harry. She smiled for the first time since last night, before Severus left. She opened it and read it through.

Hey Mione!

I' m sorry I didn't get to write sooner, but the trainings been pretty tough! I barely get five minutes to myself and I haven't seen Ron in what seems to be ages. Strange since we both have training together, but even then we don't have time to talk. He told me to tell you he said 'hi' and that he's sorry that he is too busy to write.

How have you been? I know that Malfoy is at Hogwarts and he had not be troubling you. I will say the same about Snape as well, especially in your current situation. I would ask if your work was too much of a strain but I thought better of it. You're probably enjoying it right? I hope so, I wouldn't want you to put any strain on yourself!

I know I reacted badly when you first told me about all this and I'm truly sorry. But now I've really got used to the idea - I'm actually excited to see your baby now. I know I'm not family, but I'm officially claiming your child as my niece! If that's ok with you of course! But imagine the look on Snape' s face if he heard me say that!

Well, I'm running out of time - I have another half hour to myself and I still need to write to Ginny. I hope you're ok and the best of luck for everything. We really should meet up sometime and catch up properly!

Love, Harry.

Hermione quickly re read the letter, feeling a weight lift off her chest. It was only a letter but it felt so nice to hear from her friend. She was slightly disappointed that Ron didn't have time to write. But she suspected he was still sore over her being with Severus and the baby. He could be so stubborn! But she didn't dwell on it, she had a letter to reply to! She just hoped it was enough to take her mind off Severus.

Woo, another chapter all done :D Hope you liked it, please let me know what you think, leave a review so I know people are still reading (shameless begging for reviews I know lol) Thanks for reading!!!!