*A/N* Dang! SIX in one day! Of course, I couldn't leave you with that cliffhanger, I suppose. Of course, that doesn't mean that this one won't be a cliffy as well. ::evil grin::

Hermione was still in the Great Hall when she opened her eyes, but she was wandless and bound hand and foot by some extremely powerful curses. Knowing she could still cast magic without the use of her limbs, she made the choice not to waste time and energy fooling with them, even though she could probably free herself.

Her whole body was sore, and as she looked around, Hermione saw Snape bound in a similar manner and still unconscious. Dumbledore was to the other side of her, and he suddenly looked very helpless and old. All around her were the bodies of her professors, and it worried her that she couldn't determine whether they were living or dead. She desperately scanned the room for Harry and Draco, but couldn't find them. She wasn't sure whether she should be relieved or worried for them.

Hermione's heart sank. This was probably the end of the line. She decided to close her eyes and feign continued unconsciousness. Maybe she'd hear something helpful. She thanked the Gods that she still had her presence of mind, at least.

[Severus, are you okay? Can you hear me?] she thought at him. It took a few moments, but the answer finally came, and it took all of her self control to keep from sighing with relief. [I'm all right, Hermione. Just stay still, I can feel someone coming. Is Dumbledore over there?] Hermione told Severus that Dumbledore wasn't looking too good, and she could feel his worry, concern, and despair.

[Can you still do magic in your position, Severus?] Hermione was glad to hear that he could. [All right then, Sev, we're going to have to use our secret weapons to get ourselves out of this one. I guess we should just wait for the right moment?]

[Yes. Hermione? In case we don't make it--everything we've been through has been worth it to me, just because I was given time with you. I love you. Remember that during whatever happens next.] Instead of receiving words in return, Hermione sent him exactly what she was feeling at that moment. Severus almost cried, in awe of the powerful love she had sent him, which even overpowered her potent fear. It made him feel stronger, somehow. He sent her his own feelings, which were every bit as powerful as hers.

Suddenly, he felt a presence enter the room, and another jolt of pain tore through his left forearm. Voldemort had arrived. Mentally he prepared himself for the worst, and tried to hang onto what Hermione had made him feel only a moment before. Maybe if he clung to her love for him, he could manage to summon enough energy to pull her through this, at least.

"Severus," hissed the familiar voice. "I know you are not unconscious. And you aren't either, filthy mudblood. Open your eyes and look at me." Both of them obeyed. Snape dared a glance at Hermione, and was stunned to see her staring fearlessly into the eyes of the Dark Lord.

"There are a few things I want explanations for before the fun begins. Narcissa? Peter?" His two servants obediently came to stand beside him. They looked on at Hermione and Snape with amused looks on their faces. Apparently they were expecting quite a show that night.

"Now, there is an issue that is of great importance to us, and I was wondering of one of you would humor us with an explanation. I have been searching for my devoted servant Lucius, and I have been unable to find him. Would you like to tell me, as well as his wife, what fate might have befallen him?" Snape didn't say anything, so Voldemort looked to Hermione. "Tell me mudblood. If you do, you might live longer."

"I killed him," Hermione declared frankly. Voldemort actually looked taken aback. "Don't like to me, mudblood," he hissed. "I'm quite serious, Lord Voldemort," she said matter-of-factly. "I used Avada Kedavra on him. He really went down too easily. I expected more of a fight from him." Narcissa Malfoy made an angry, strangled sound and raised her wand to curse Hermione, but the Dark Lord stopped her.
"Wait, Narcissa. Your time will come. So, mudblood, tell me, how did it feel, to kill?" Hermione's eyes glittered in a way that made Severus shudder, but he knew she was faking it. "I have never before felt that kind of pleasure, Lord. I loved killing him, and I would gladly do it a thousand times over." Narcissa made to curse Hermione again, and again Lord Voldemort stopped her. Suddenly, he began to laugh.

"Child, you really are a strange specimen for a Gryffindor. You amuse me to no end. Perhaps I will kill you last of all. If you were not so impure, I might even invite you to join me!" The laughter continued. "Besides, I find you impressive for yet another reason. You have managed to turn my loyal, powerful Severus into a whimpering, useless puppy. I really am impressed." Peter Pettigrew began to laugh, running his magical hand through his hair.

"Severus? In love? Perhaps he should be the last to die--after watching the old man and the mudblood. It would pain him to no end, don't you think?" Voldemort laughed again. "Peter, you prove yourself to me once again. I agree completely. So, Severus, what do you have to say for yourself?"

"I have no regrets." Voldemort cocked his head mockingly. "No regrets, eh? You really are pathetic. How can you not regret making the worst decision of your life? You should have stayed with me, Severus. You really were so promising." Snape didn't have an answer for this, and simply met Voldemort's gaze.

"Ah, enough talk. I'm sorry Severus, but it seems the old man is waking up. I am just wondering--who should go first? Our beloved Headmaster? Or the mudblood? I am leaving the choice to you. Just know--it will be painful for them either way." He laughed as Severus closed his eyes, horrified. [Hermione, once Dumbledore wakes up, I'm going to choose him to go first. You take out Pettigrew, and I'll try to take on Voldemort. Then, if you still have the energy, take Narcissa down as well. Do we have an agreement?]

[Yes, I'm ready.] Dumbledore's eyes snapped open. They looked empty and dead. Voldemort laughed. "So, Severus, have you made your decision yet? I suggest you hurry."

"Dumbledore will go first." Voldemort laughed. Raising his wand, he pointed it at Hermione. "You were amusing for a while, mudblood, but you are too filthy to be allowed to live any longer."