Thankyou everyone for your reviews – if I have not yet got around to answering yours, I humbly apologise. I have tried, just sometimes they get swallowed and as I'm not a patient person, I give up in disgust at my stupid computer. Often one or two will make it through the 'review reply eating error virus' that my computer seems to have contracted, so eventually I will get to yours, I promise. Besides, I just know that regardless of your desire for replies – you'd rather I spent my time actually writing instead, right???

So, here is the newest chappie – where we will learn what happened after Sev's meltdown, and just what actually happened to Phoebe… please enjoy… :D

Chapter 45Dire

Standing in the bedroom doorway of Seventy-seven Cauldron Lane, his heart tearing from what he was witnessing, Remus Lupin barely heard the padding of numerous pairs of footsteps hurry up behind him.

He'd never seen Severus Snape so traumatised… so vulnerable. The mere sight of this man's obvious heartache and devastation had taken his breath away. Remus had naturally deduced that Severus was connected romantically to this woman; Phoebe, and that she carried a child that was more than likely Severus' offspring… so he comprehended that the demise of this woman was more than significant to the dark man expressing his grief in front of him.

He hadn't tried to intervene when Severus had begun tearing the room to shreds with unrestrained fury, and he hadn't moved to comfort the man when he had collapsed to the floor with anguish. Truth be told, he had no idea what to do, or what to say, or even if anything would make a difference anyway.

Remus vaguely recalled the extreme and intense ache that had begun to well inside himself when he had thought Tonks had been murdered many months ago. It had hurt so much; he hadn't been able to breathe… or even think. And if it hadn't been for Arthur, he would probably have ended up a blathering mess curled on the floor.

'Much like this miserable man before me now,' he thought, his brow furrowed with sadness. He had just moved forward to finally try to say something consoling when a hand dropped onto his shoulder. He jumped with a start.

"Remus… what happened?" Arthur queried hurriedly.

Finding it difficult to find the words to explain the passionate response of the dark man before them both, Remus just shook his head. He swallowed and tried again.

"She's gone… she… Phoebe… she's gone!" Remus poise was also beginning to slowly unravel now that he was not solely responsible for Severus. His recollection of his similar experience, albeit blessedly short, had shocked his composure. He felt a reassuring squeeze upon his shoulder and looked up in gratitude at Arthur.

There had been two horrified gasps at Remus' statement from behind Arthur and soon both men found themselves pushed aside to admit both Molly and Tonks into the room.

Molly made a beeline for the distraught ex-Death Eater without hesitation. She kneeled beside him and placed a tender hand upon the dark hair on the back of his bent head.

"Severus. Oh, my dear, I am so sorry…"

The dark man only acknowledged the comfort by a slight hitching in his breath between sobs at Molly's touch. She added another hand to his back, her thumb rubbing small circles in a gesture meant to reassure the hurting man that he was not alone.

SSHPSSHPSSHPSSHPSSHPSSHPSSHPSSHPSSHPSSHPSS

Severus sucked in a deep breath. He'd let himself get far too out of control. He could feel himself shaking; it was a sharp contrast against the steady warm hands (one gently atop his head and the other soothingly rubbing against his back) of the motherly figure of Molly Weasley.

He was amazed at how good the comfort felt; he normally wouldn't have allowed it, but he would not shake her off just yet; he could use the grounding reassurance to help him gain back his control. He blew out a long soothing breath. He remained like this, breathing deeply for several moments, slowly becoming more aware of his surroundings and the others in his presence.

"I can't believe this has happened," whispered Tonks who was standing quite close nearby, "Oh, Merlin, poor Phoebe!"

Two male voices were conversing a little further away near the doorway.

"… Bill came and collected Fleur… she was pretty upset. They, along with Fred have gone to headquarters. I told them we'd all meet up there when we were through here. No-one has managed to locate Harry yet… George is still searching. Ron and Hermione are with him, I presume, as they can't be found either. To be honest, I'm a little concerned."

"I can completely understand, Arthur… Ron is your son, after all."

Severus' stomach gave a tiny swoop… but he fiercely pushed the agonising thoughts and feelings aside and took another deep breath. He could not think about the lost unborn child… not just now… the knowledge of having lost Phoebe was more than painful enough.

'Oh, Phoebe…' he thought, but immediately fought back the constriction building again in his chest. Clawing his way back from this place of utter desolation was tough to say the least.

"To be honest, I really don't know where to go from here… I don't understand what it's all about," Severus heard Lupin say.

"The elf was already dead, you say?" questioned Arthur and Severus found a sudden urge to be more aware of what was going on around him.

Molly's hand shifted as he lifted his chin to look around himself. As she moved it away, he reached out and caught it with his own, squeezing a gentle, silent thankyou before allowing her to continue to retract the limb. The hand instead moved forward again and came to rest on his cheek. Her kindly expression quickly turned to worry though.

"You're burning up, Severus! You are covered in cuts and just about every one of them is infected by the looks of it. Why on earth haven't you seen to them?! Here let me…" The woman reached to push back more of his blood caked hair to get a better look at his more evident wounds.

"I am not familiar with the incantation. You are?" he asked, furrowing his brow in confusion. Molly was not a healer by profession, he knew.

Molly let out a low chuckle, "You don't raise a family of six sons and one rambunctious daughter without picking up a thing or two about healing. We'd have practically lived at St Mungo's if I'd not learnt adequately how to heal and cleanse the daily mishaps, Severus."

The Weasley children had all been a handful at school, Severus remembered, well, all but Percy, he admitted. Nevertheless he could definitely see the woman's point about the need for her to be able to doctor her own family.

"I see," he agreed with a tiny amount of amusement, incredibly so considering the circumstances.

Abruptly though an unbidden image of Phoebe and the family he would now never get to enjoy flashed through his mind and all amusement was immediately smothered. His lip began to tremble, so he bit his inner cheek viciously, letting out another slow breath through his nose. After another shaky breath in, he huffed out an exhausted and distressed sigh and leaned into the warm, nurturing hands of the Weasley matriarch; it was plainly obvious that his emotions weren't yet entirely stable.

"Shhh," she soothed. "Take your time dear… it's hard, I know."

After several more moments Molly resumed the inspection of Severus' wounds. "They are everywhere, aren't they," she said, more a statement than a question; following a nasty scratch that appeared to continue down past his collar. "Remus?" she verified.

Severus nodded in confirmation and swallowed hard. He was amazed that the woman made no more comment about the fact though, she merely continued with her inspection.

"You'll have to take your clothing off for me so I can see to every single one, I won't be content to do a half job," she insisted firmly, but softened the demand with a gentle pat on his leg.

He nodded obediently. Severus was still unusually submissive to the somewhat bossy woman, but truth be told, he was feeling awfully wretched because of the insistent infections and would gladly welcome some relief. And he was even more than content to receive that relief along with the soft cushion of care that seemed so inherent in this motherly witch.

The voices of Lupin and Arthur were becoming increasingly louder as their conversation continued in the background.

"What are you saying, Arthur?"

"I'm saying, I don't think Phoebe is dead… not yet, at least!"

With a sharp intake of breath, Severus immediately pulled away from Molly's gentle probing fingers and turned toward the conversing Order members; he was instantly focused on the two men, so much so that he hardly felt Molly's worried, lightly restraining hand grab a hold of his forearm.

"They've taken her somewhere, so I can only assume she is still living else wouldn't they have left her along with the elf? My guess is that she's probably alive and is being used as bait."

"Bait…?" Severus all but whispered as he finally joined the conversation.

Two heads swung hastily in Severus' direction. Neither wizard had been aware that the dark man had been following their exchange.

Arthur cringed before responding, he knew his comments had been delivered in a manner that was rather detached and harsh and was feeling regretful that Severus had been able to overhear the theory he had suggested that way. It was cruel… Severus was obviously hurting deeply and he hadn't intended to add to that hurt.

"Yes… for you Severus, I suspect… there is obviously something more they want from you."

Severus abruptly yanked himself clear of Molly's restraining hand and raised himself to his feet swiping up his wand, which had been dropped at his side, in the process.

"Severus!" Molly warned in a low tone, but he ignored her.

"Then I shall oblige… it is not me they want," he ground out and lunged instantly toward Lupin with a feral growl, "In the absence of Potter I shall take them the other they seek in exchange!"

The dark man managed to get his fists tangled in the other's robes and directed his wand at the werewolf's throat.

"NO!" shrieked Tonks, and fortunately Tonks was quick to disarm him. She continued to hold him at wand point. "Snape… no!"

"Not like this, Severus!" exclaimed Arthur, in turn grabbing a hold of the dark man tightly by his robes and shoving him forcefully up against the nearest wall. "We can be most effective if we work together…we'll get her back, but we must do it together. You're one of us… you've always been one of us… I know you have. Stay with us now… please!"

There was a tense silence for several moments while Severus just glared at Arthur, his Adams apple bobbing as he swallowed convulsively, but then he sagged in defeat against the strong hold.

"What will they have done to her already?" he whispered shakily; desperate for answers, but already knowing he would get none that satisfied him.

Arthur's expression saddened, "Merlin knows," he breathed in return, "but we'll find her… and we'll deal with it… together!" he promised, imploring the dark man with an intense gaze to trust him.

Not allowing his reassuring gaze to leave Severus' desperate eyes, Arthur spoke to Molly, "Get Severus fixed up, Molly… he's in no shape to pull this off in the condition he is now. In the meantime we'll sort out a plan."

SSHPSSHPSSHPSSHPSSHPSSHPSSHPSSHPSSHPSSHPSS

After Phoebe could no longer see the glowing orb of light, she turned to the house-elf standing alongside her.

"Well, that's that."

"Yes, Mistress. Is there anything you wish for me to prepare for your journey?"

"Journey? Do you think it's likely that Molly will want me to go with her somewhere, Erlin?"

Looking thoughtful the house-elf answered, "Yes, it is probable, Mistress. Master Sna- I mean, Professor Snape has faith in this witch… and she is sent to assist you… Erlin can no longer help… Mistress Phoebe no longer requires Erlin!"

Feeling a little sad that Erlin thought she no longer needed him around, Phoebe dropped to her knees (a little awkwardly, but determinedly) in front of the elf.

"But, won't you be coming too… if I go, that is? I still would like you to be around, even if you aren't making my breakfast… I do like you for other reasons too, you know? Oh, Erlin… you have been such lovely company! I don't know what I would have done without you… probably gone mad with boredom, I suspect," she added with a chuckle. "You are a very special little person."

With that she placed an arm around him and pulled him into a hug.

At first Erlin was so startled by Phoebe's kind gesture that he remained stiff in her enfolding arms, but soon he melted into the embrace, wrapping his own arms about her and squeezing back.

"Mistress is so kind… so kind to house-elves. It has been a pleasure to serve you, Mistress Phoebe," he said between sudden sobs of happiness. "I would be happy to escort Mistress Phoebe if Mrs Weasley will not object."

"I'm sure she won't. So, what do you think I should get ready to take then?"

"It is very cold out, Mistress… and perhaps the Weasley family might not be used to your Muggle attire?" Erlin suggested diplomatically.

"Oh, well, maybe I should wear the robes again then… I'll go put them on, and you can get out my coat and then pack a few of my regular clothes… just in case."

Erlin grinned in pleasure, shuffling off to the hall end cupboard to retrieve a small trunk.

After dragging the burgundy robes out from the rear of the bedroom cupboard, Phoebe allowed Erlin to retrieve the heavy coat from its depths as she went into the bathroom to change.

'Lucky Severus charmed these to fit too,' she mused as she smoothed the garment over the now copious curve of her stomach, but the sudden thought of Severus reminded her sadly of her unresolved quarrel with the man.

As she exited the bathroom she called to Erlin. "If we leave, Erlin, we must remember to leave a note for Severus in case he is to come back and discover us gone. I don't want him to worry."

Phoebe heard a loud knock at the front door before the elf could answer her.

"I'll get it… it'll be Molly," Phoebe called out and headed directly to answer the door. "Wow, that was quick, wasn't it?"

As Phoebe was reaching for the door handle, Erlin swiftly jogged out through the bedroom doorway. "Mistress Phoebe… you should allow me-" but Phoebe had already turned the doorknob.

The door was instantly shoved open; Phoebe was lucky to stay on her feet. A sudden burst of colour and explosion of yells, bangs and sizzles followed. She was thrust backwards by a strong hand clasped around her throat and shoved forcefully against the wall with a grunt.

In her terror she searched the room for her protector in time to see him cut down mid stride by a sickening green jet of light. Erlin plummeted to the floor in a heap and she did not see him move again. Instinctively she knew he was dead and nothing could be done for him; she was so stunned she couldn't even scream. In horror she turned her attention to the four intruders and took in the first's brutal expression.

No need to ask to see their forearms, there was no doubt in Phoebe's mind that these were Death Eaters. Phoebe breathed out a shaky breath.

'Oh, God… how did they find me? What's happened to Severus?' she wondered in terror. Her fear was overwhelming.

The one woman amongst the Death Eaters let out a cackle of laughter as she stepped forward. "Well, well… here is Severus' little play thing. Didn't his Mummy ever teach him to share?"

As the dark haired witch drew even closer to Phoebe she noted her rather obvious baby bump. She snorted another chuckle, "And play he has been, it seems."

Unable to retreat because she was still being restrained against the wall at her throat by the large blonde man, Phoebe could only cringe away internally when the frightening witch reached her hand to caress her swollen midriff.

"Almost ripe," she crooned, "What a shame!" she added threateningly.

Phoebe's breath hitched in her throat in shocked dismay.

"Tell me…" the witch continued, leaning in closer, "was he rough with you too?"

Phoebe's face dropped instantly… just what was this vile woman implying?

The second man stepped up then, "Rough, Bellatrix? What do you mean… what did Snape do to you?"

'So this is the healer Bellatrix that Severus mentioned; Narcissa's sister,' Phoebe noted somewhere in the back of her mind.

"The bastard tried to rape me… when we were alone, planning your escape, my love. His sick, twisted little mind decided that I was his for the taking… though never fear, he quickly learned he was painfully mistaken."

After eyeing Bellatrix closely for a few moments, the man turned his glaring scrutiny toward Phoebe. She gasped in fear. Whether or not the dark haired witch was telling the truth or not Phoebe could not tell, however, whatever Severus had done to earn the Witch's ire, Phoebe was surely about to pay the price for it.

The man advanced on her swiftly, "Let's see how Snape likes his woman groped, shall we?" he snarled.

"Rodolphus!" snapped the blonde man restraining Phoebe.

"I'm merely searching for her wand, Lucius!" Rodolphus said, sounding scandalised, whilst beginning his search by roughly sliding his hands over her chest, lingering on her tender breasts and continuing a search of the rest of her body.

Phoebe whimpered in dismay at the obvious molestation.

Lifting the robes Phoebe wore to admit his roving hands, Rodolphus took particular care to annihilate any hint of Phoebe's modesty when he groped between her legs, sliding a single digit beneath her underwear.

He leaned in close to her ear and whispered, "I haven't yet found your wand… it's not hidden in here, is it?"

Horrified beyond belief, Phoebe could no longer endure the molestation silently.

"No, please don't… stop," she begged with a sob, trying desperately to wriggle away from his offending touch, tears sliding down her cheeks.

Rodolphus merely chuckled nastily.

Lucius's face grew dark with fury, "Enough!" he demanded, shoving the other man away, but Rodolphus drew back in surrender, albeit a little reluctantly.

Lucius then stepped up closer, a gesture most intimidating. For all his efforts to prevent further assault by the other Death Eater, Phoebe in no way got the impression this man was either gentle or sympathetic.

"Narcissa was right then, it seems?" Lucius announced. "A Muggle?" he queried with a tinge of amusement. "Now who would have thought Severus, of all people, would tally with a Muggle."

At that moment the fourth Death Eater moved forward to glimpse the restrained woman. It was difficult to tell who wore the greatest expression of surprise, Phoebe or the blonde teenager standing agape at the Muggle dressed in burgundy robes.

'Draco!' Phoebe thought instantly. She remembered the boy from the Tea Shop in Hogsmeade… he'd looked so young and innocent then… but now he wore that pinched look of stress. Severus had had that look about him too, Phoebe noted sadly.

"You've met before, Draco?" Bellatrix asked, noticing the teen's reaction.

"Yes… in the teashop, with Mother," Draco mumbled, trying desperately not to be dragged in under the intense scrutiny. "I didn't… if I'd realised-"

"Perhaps it may be prudent to take my dear sister a little more seriously in the future, don't you think?" Bella shot at all three males around her.

At their lack of response, Bellatrix took the lead. "Time to go, I think. Draco, go on ahead and offer your mark to summon the Secret Keeper. We'll meet him at the boundary." Draco swiftly obeyed.

The woman then turned to Phoebe. "Come, my dear… there's someone I'd like you to meet," she said in a sickly sweet voice, grabbing Phoebe brutally by her hair and shoving her forward through the open front door. The remaining male members of the group followed her promptly out the door.