Harry lunged at Snape who had his back turned watching the smoke that
used to be Bram slowly drift away. Harry hit him right in the middle and
they went crashing to the ground. Snape struggled to turn over and when he
did.......Wham! Harry had given a right hook to the jaw. Snape was a bit
dazed. The force of Harry's fist had knocked Snape back down. Harry went
for another shot at his Professor, but Snape caught both of his hands and
pinned him down.
"Potter! What the hell is wrong with you?!" Snape said trying to steady his voice.
"HERMIONE WAS RIGHT! YOU CAN'T BE TRUSTED! WHERE DID THEY TAKE HER!?!" Harry shouted, his anger seeping through his entire body. Snape let go of Harry and stood up, brushing the dirt from his robes and the blood from his lip.
"I had nothing to do with this, even if you would like to think that! I was supposed to bring you and Hermione to a friend of Dumbledore's to help with your transformation." Snape snapped. He reached his hand out to Harry.
"What transformations?" Harry questioned as he took Snape's hand and he pulled up off of the ground.
"Dumbledore thought it would be best if Hermione and yourself had a way to hide, but stay at the school at the same time." Harry stared at him blankly, still not able to understand what he was talking about. Snape looked at him and sighed, "You were to become Animagus!"
"Really? Then why are you taking us?" Snape's face screwed into anger.
"BECAUSE! Unfortunately, I am also in the need of protection. In case Voldemort finds out I am a spy!" He ran his hand across his left arm. "Lucky for us that Banshee is too naive to realize that I was not here because of the message they had sent. Now, it is time for us to transform before we try to get Hermione back."
"How do you know he hasn't killed her yet?" Harry's voice broke at the thought.
"The Dark Lord wants to see you suffer, so he will wait until I bring you to him." Snape turned around and started walking towards the two brooms lying a bit away from them.
"What do you mean before you take me to Voldemort?!" Harry took a couple of quick steps and was next to Snape.
"Potter for once will you use your head?! You can't just go charging at him, you would be dead before you could blink!" Snape bent down and picked up Hermione's broom, "And Hermione wouldn't be too far behind. Voldemort has one incredible flaw, he likes to see his enemies in pain before they die." He pulled a small bag from within his robes and took two vials from it. "Here, drink this. Your first transformation will be difficult and somewhat painful." A twisted grin formed on his face. Harry took the tiny bottle and looked at the green contents.
"What will I become?" He asked as he uncorked it.
"The potion decides." Snape also opened his and took it in one swallow. Harry did the same.
At first nothing happened, then he felt as if a fire raged through him. Harry doubled over as his body started to shrink. His skin began to darken and become an almost metallic blue-black color. His face smoothed back and his eyes grew father apart into small slits. Harry's arms went to his sides and disappeared as he fell to the ground. Harry looked down his new body and felt fear rush in at him.
I'm a snake! This is very wrong! Why would I turn into a snake???
Calm down Harry! It doesn't matter what you turned into. Harry looked up and saw a lean black wolf with yellow eyes and a slightly hooked muzzle.
That's easy for you to say! You didn't turn into something that represents everything you hate! With a small Pop, Harry was himself again. A few seconds later Snape was also back in his human form.
"This isn't the time to think about that, we have other things to worry about." . His breathing became shallow. "But before we do, you have to turn into the snake again."
"No! There is no way that I am going to slither around like that!" Snape's face darkened menacingly.
"DO IT! Or would you rather Miss Granger to die slowly? Your form is small enough to get to her without drawing attention to yourself." Albeit reluctant, Harry transformed back into the snake.
Okay I'm the snake. Now what?
"You have control of your changing now, so you can go play hero for Miss Granger." Harry popped back into himself once more and had a look of bitterness on his young face. Snape handed him another vial the same as his own.
"Give this to Granger when you are alone with her and make sure you don't bump into Nagini or she'll tear you to pieces. She can see the shadow of your human form. She's Voldemort's insurance in case Animagus are spying on him." Harry took the bottle and put it in an inside pocket deep within his robes.
[pic]
Hermione could feel tears run down her face from trying so hard to keep the laughter in. Her delicately framed body shuddered under the strain of control she had built around herself. She looked up just as Voldemort ordered a man to remove his hood. His hood fell from his face, it was Lucius Malfoy. He sneered at her when his eyes wavered from Voldemort's gaze. The two spoke softly for many minutes.
"All of you leave. Now! Lucius and Duvessa stay here." Voldemort turned on his heel and strode over to Hermione. Everyone at the circle apparated with small pops. He stopped in front of Hermione and the banshee. He didn't look at Hermione but rather at the woman that still held her shoulders.
"Where is the spirit you left Potter with?" His voice was very quiet, which reminded Hermione of Snape. Snape! That low life. She should have known he would never be able to change.
"I-I do not know My Lord." She took a diminutive step backward, letting go of Hermione.
"Duvessa, need I remind you of the consequences of failure?" His voice became sharp and cold. With a flick of his hand Duvessa was on the ground. She made one shrill scream that made Hermione feel as though someone had slammed into her chest. She flew back several feet and landed on the roots of a yew tree. Hermione fought against the pressure baring down on her, but it was to no avail because she was helpless once again. Then she heard something. It was very faint, but the words grew louder in her head. A day after morrow, beware of your heart's sorrow! Remember your life as it should have been, as my family and my kin.
Voldemort raised his hand in triumph. Duvessa's shriek stopped and she lay huddled on the ground. Her body was shaking from the effects of the Cruciatus Curse.
"Now, go collect Severus and get the boy! Do not fail me again." Voldemort's words were venomous. Hermione looked at Lucius, who had a look of pure ecstasy. Duvessa disappeared in a puff of black feathers and Voldemort turned to Malfoy. It seemed they had forgotten about Hermione. For now she stayed where she was until she could regain control of her body and sort out what she had just heard. What is that supposed to mean?
"Lucius, what news do you bring me?" Voldemort asked as Malfoy stepped closer and once again fell to his knees.
"My Lord, I have heard that Harry Potter has become an Animagus, but I have not found out what form he holds." He lifted his face and an evil grin played upon his handsome features. "I also know he is coming to save the mudblood."
At this Hermione's heart sank. Oh, Harry. Please don't come for me! Think with your head for once! Wait. Did he say Harry was an Animagus? Hermione was very confused by know. Her friend is going to come rushing to save her and get killed at the same time. She was happy that he cared so much, angry that he wasn't thinking, and sad because she didn't want to lose him. Or was it too late, and Snape had already finished him off? No, that can't be. If Harry really was an Animagus he would have gotten away. Why didn't he tell me? This is no time to think about that, you have to stay with what's going on around you! Hermione reprimanded herself.
"I SAID COME HERE GIRL!" Hermione shot her head up and saw Lucius Malfoy staring at her. He was only a few feet away and was coming closer. She scrabbled away from the tree and bumped into something else. Something human.
"Have we forgotten our place already?" She turned around to see Lord Voldemort standing there, his lipless smile on his face once again.
Hermione made to back away from him, when with deathly quickness he had hold of the back of her head and a hand full of her chestnut brown hair. Hermione gasped as he pulled her to her feet. Hermione murmured a swear word under her breath as he pulled her head back further. His other hand played around her neck, where the marks of his fingers were still visible.
He enjoys this! He enjoys watching people suffer at his hands! Hermione thought. Her hatred began to well inside of her again. She had every urge to spit in his face. He knew it and waited for it so he could put her through more pain. Maybe I should act obedient. At least for now. Hermione stopped herself from being, well, herself.
"No, Lord. I was simply dazed from the Banshee's scream and did not know where I was." Hermione shook as Lucius stepped next to her. Voldemort freed her hair and let his hand slide down to her cheek, sending chills through Hermione's body. She continued to shudder under his touch, waiting for the dagger to reappear. His smile widened.
"I can see through you my dear," he spoke so softly that only Hermione could hear him, "and you are lying. But I will allow you to live this time." He put his other hand on her bare shoulder and a searing pain surged through her as a reminder. She tried to back away, but he held her firmly by the shoulders. Hermione looked away from Voldemort and fixed her gaze on Malfoy. His eyes sparkled with anticipation of her punishment. Then he finally said something to her, with an air of utter arrogance as only a Malfoy could.
"What does Potter turn into, Mudblood?" Hermione was turning a slight shade of pink from her anger. She may feel vulnerable when Voldemort threatened her, but when it was a Malfoy...
"I don't know! I wouldn't tell you if I did, and my name is Hermione not Mudblood! I thought you would at least know that, since your son has lost two duels to me now." She smiled at the look of absolute rage that took over Lucius. She looked back at Voldemort and was shocked to see him laughing. He put his arm out to stop Malfoy from striking her.
"You will have your chance soon enough Lucius. It seems Hermione is only brave when it comes to words. Perhaps I should cut out her tongue." Hermione's eyes grew wide with fright. "See, you just have to use her fear and she is more submissive. And I do believe that I am her fear." Hermione looked back at Malfoy, his sneer had returned. Abruptly Voldemort touched her cheek. Hermione jumped, and there was no way to hide the fact that she did. "Is that not so?"
"I am afraid of no one!" She said in a hoarse whisper.
"Lucius leave us!" He gave Malfoy a commanding glance and he disappeared. "I believe we should go inside." Voldemort pulled her through the door and they walked into a small room.
It wasn't the one she had been in before. It was much more elegant. There were two crimson red chairs by a stone fireplace that was engraved with designs of snakes. In the hearth of the fireplace a glorious fire ignited and roared into the darkness. Hermione could make out the outline of another bed, but the curtains gave off the color of the blackest shadows. On the bed laid Nagini. She had raised her head when the fire started to burn and was working her way to one of the bed posts. No paintings hung on the walls, nor any other form of decoration could be seen. That was partly because most of the room was still shrouded in darkness. Without knowing how, Hermione realized she was sitting in one the chairs.
"You say you fear no one, not even me. Then why is it you try to run when I am near? Or shudder at my touch?" Hermione sat silent for a while watching as Nagini wrapped herself around his arm. Does he really want me to answer him? What will happen if I do? I am afraid, but I have to think of something to say. Hermione swallowed hard. She looked down at the fire and let her eyes linger to the top of the mantle piece. There on the very top sat Hermione's wand. My Wand! If I could get to it. What I'm I thinking, I wouldn't last two minutes. Voldemort followed her gaze and smiled.
"Do you wish to challenge me to a duel? I can assure you that no one has ever survived." He took a seat in the chair next to her.
"Except for Harry." Hermione mumbled as a small smile crept to her lips. She was still gazing at her wand and didn't notice that Voldemort had heard her. His face grew into a cold deathly expression of fury.
" Crucio!!!" Hermione's body wrenched in the chair. She screamed out, her mind remembering the throbbing sensations. Salty tears rolled down her face as the pain intensified. She could hear the bitter sound of Voldemort's laughter. His voice rang out over the hurt. "The boy who lived will soon be no more!" He lifted her from the hold of the curse and she fell from the chair. She laid there weeping for several minutes, trying to control the emotions that fled into her mind and heart.
[pic]
He shall regret that! Lord Voldemort has no idea what power the girl holds and I shall not be the one to tell him. She will be his destruction. Duvessa was walking through a dark forest in search of her quarry. Her silver-white hair sweeping behind her in the cold night's breeze. Shadows danced on her green traveling coat that had a few black feathers on it. She walked quietly to insure Severus wouldn't know he was being followed.
"Severus, I know you're in here and you too Harry. I can sense the sadness within your hearts." Crack! Duvessa stopped in her tracks. A blur ran past her. "Severus! I am not here to play games with ye! Give me the boy an' I'll be on my way!" A black wolf appeared from behind one of the trees. His yellow eyes sparkled dangerously.
No, but I am here to play games with you. Your Irish tongue is slipping.
" I still hold my vow! If it weren't for the Lord wanting a word with ye you'd be dead by now! I swear it upon what ye took from me!" Duvessa's voice broke in rage; tears running down her cheeks.
Very well! POP! A very happy looking Severus Snape now stood in front of the grieving Banshee. "I don't believe you'll ever fulfill that vow. Taking my life is not as easy as it seems and I did not kill your beloved." He smiled and started for the edge of the forest. Duvessa trailed behind him.
"Where's the boy? Voldemort wants him and I know he's in here." Severus kept walking paying little heed to her words. Duvessa grabbed his arm and he stopped. Snape felt every anguish from his life flee to her hand. He quickly removed it to prevent her from seeing the burden upon his heart at the moment. Severus wasn't sure why, but he thought he was actually starting to care for Granger. He couldn't stand thinking about what Voldemort was doing to her.
"I don't know where Potter is, but I do know he is following me. He thinks that his invisibility cloak hides him from anyone and everyone. He's far too much like James. Thinking nothing shall ever happen to him." Snape began walking to the clearing once more, only to be stopped by Duvessa again.
"How can ye be sure? Why would he risk everything for her?"
"I forgot you lost the ability to love. In any form." He smiled, remembering when he had first met the banshee, though she broke his thoughts.
"An' I have ye to thank for that! Are you saying they're lovers?" Is that why she called out for him? Maybe she is not the one I thought she was.
"Granger and Potter!?! You must be joking. The love they hold is one of friendship. They are willing to do anything for each other and have proved it many times." Severus wasn't sure but he thought he saw Duvessa smile.
There is still a chance she's the one! So many years I have waited! I might be restored. "So, the girl does not have a love?"
"Not that I know of. Why are you so interested in Granger now? I thought you were sent for Potter?" Snape looked at her questioningly.
"It is none of you're affair! And I am here for Harry, but it seems Voldemort will just have to wait until he shows at his doorstep." She brushed pass Severus and walked out of the forest.
"Are you disobeying your master now?" Duvessa halted and turned sharply on her heel.
"NOW YOU LISTEN TO ME! I 'AVE NO MASTER!" Duvessa took one deep breath and she almost hissed it at him. "I simply serve Voldemort until true power is born. Soon enough you will see a force that can destroy that snake of a man! On the new moon new life will retake the old and revisit the past." Severus stood dumbfounded. Never had she spoken in such a way since see was a fairy and for a moment her hair gleamed a chestnut brown, but it faded as quickly as the wind. "Now let us leave here. I 'ave things to attend to." In a great puff of black feathers Duvessa took flight as a screeching raven.
What does she mean by all that? Harry stuck his head out from Severus' robes, his tongue tasting the air.
"I have no bloody clue! Though I think it has to do with her past." Harry tried to blink in astonishment, but he had no eyelids. "And with Hermione."
Hermione? What about Hermione? Harry thought aloud.
"Potter, will you please be silent?! I'm trying to think!" Snape spat at the small snake that was now Harry Potter. Harry set himself deep in Snape's pocket. Then he had an afterthought that he couldn't help but say.
Does it hurt? Snape shot an icy glare at his pocket that would have stopped a manticore in its tracks.
"POTTER! Hold that forked tongue of yours or I might be inclined to tie you in a knot!" Harry fell silent. Severus smoothed back his greasy hair, in attempt to compose his already frazzled state. "I believe we should follow Duvessa now. I have a feeling that there is very little time left for your friend." With a small pop Snape vanished into the dark night.
"Potter! What the hell is wrong with you?!" Snape said trying to steady his voice.
"HERMIONE WAS RIGHT! YOU CAN'T BE TRUSTED! WHERE DID THEY TAKE HER!?!" Harry shouted, his anger seeping through his entire body. Snape let go of Harry and stood up, brushing the dirt from his robes and the blood from his lip.
"I had nothing to do with this, even if you would like to think that! I was supposed to bring you and Hermione to a friend of Dumbledore's to help with your transformation." Snape snapped. He reached his hand out to Harry.
"What transformations?" Harry questioned as he took Snape's hand and he pulled up off of the ground.
"Dumbledore thought it would be best if Hermione and yourself had a way to hide, but stay at the school at the same time." Harry stared at him blankly, still not able to understand what he was talking about. Snape looked at him and sighed, "You were to become Animagus!"
"Really? Then why are you taking us?" Snape's face screwed into anger.
"BECAUSE! Unfortunately, I am also in the need of protection. In case Voldemort finds out I am a spy!" He ran his hand across his left arm. "Lucky for us that Banshee is too naive to realize that I was not here because of the message they had sent. Now, it is time for us to transform before we try to get Hermione back."
"How do you know he hasn't killed her yet?" Harry's voice broke at the thought.
"The Dark Lord wants to see you suffer, so he will wait until I bring you to him." Snape turned around and started walking towards the two brooms lying a bit away from them.
"What do you mean before you take me to Voldemort?!" Harry took a couple of quick steps and was next to Snape.
"Potter for once will you use your head?! You can't just go charging at him, you would be dead before you could blink!" Snape bent down and picked up Hermione's broom, "And Hermione wouldn't be too far behind. Voldemort has one incredible flaw, he likes to see his enemies in pain before they die." He pulled a small bag from within his robes and took two vials from it. "Here, drink this. Your first transformation will be difficult and somewhat painful." A twisted grin formed on his face. Harry took the tiny bottle and looked at the green contents.
"What will I become?" He asked as he uncorked it.
"The potion decides." Snape also opened his and took it in one swallow. Harry did the same.
At first nothing happened, then he felt as if a fire raged through him. Harry doubled over as his body started to shrink. His skin began to darken and become an almost metallic blue-black color. His face smoothed back and his eyes grew father apart into small slits. Harry's arms went to his sides and disappeared as he fell to the ground. Harry looked down his new body and felt fear rush in at him.
I'm a snake! This is very wrong! Why would I turn into a snake???
Calm down Harry! It doesn't matter what you turned into. Harry looked up and saw a lean black wolf with yellow eyes and a slightly hooked muzzle.
That's easy for you to say! You didn't turn into something that represents everything you hate! With a small Pop, Harry was himself again. A few seconds later Snape was also back in his human form.
"This isn't the time to think about that, we have other things to worry about." . His breathing became shallow. "But before we do, you have to turn into the snake again."
"No! There is no way that I am going to slither around like that!" Snape's face darkened menacingly.
"DO IT! Or would you rather Miss Granger to die slowly? Your form is small enough to get to her without drawing attention to yourself." Albeit reluctant, Harry transformed back into the snake.
Okay I'm the snake. Now what?
"You have control of your changing now, so you can go play hero for Miss Granger." Harry popped back into himself once more and had a look of bitterness on his young face. Snape handed him another vial the same as his own.
"Give this to Granger when you are alone with her and make sure you don't bump into Nagini or she'll tear you to pieces. She can see the shadow of your human form. She's Voldemort's insurance in case Animagus are spying on him." Harry took the bottle and put it in an inside pocket deep within his robes.
[pic]
Hermione could feel tears run down her face from trying so hard to keep the laughter in. Her delicately framed body shuddered under the strain of control she had built around herself. She looked up just as Voldemort ordered a man to remove his hood. His hood fell from his face, it was Lucius Malfoy. He sneered at her when his eyes wavered from Voldemort's gaze. The two spoke softly for many minutes.
"All of you leave. Now! Lucius and Duvessa stay here." Voldemort turned on his heel and strode over to Hermione. Everyone at the circle apparated with small pops. He stopped in front of Hermione and the banshee. He didn't look at Hermione but rather at the woman that still held her shoulders.
"Where is the spirit you left Potter with?" His voice was very quiet, which reminded Hermione of Snape. Snape! That low life. She should have known he would never be able to change.
"I-I do not know My Lord." She took a diminutive step backward, letting go of Hermione.
"Duvessa, need I remind you of the consequences of failure?" His voice became sharp and cold. With a flick of his hand Duvessa was on the ground. She made one shrill scream that made Hermione feel as though someone had slammed into her chest. She flew back several feet and landed on the roots of a yew tree. Hermione fought against the pressure baring down on her, but it was to no avail because she was helpless once again. Then she heard something. It was very faint, but the words grew louder in her head. A day after morrow, beware of your heart's sorrow! Remember your life as it should have been, as my family and my kin.
Voldemort raised his hand in triumph. Duvessa's shriek stopped and she lay huddled on the ground. Her body was shaking from the effects of the Cruciatus Curse.
"Now, go collect Severus and get the boy! Do not fail me again." Voldemort's words were venomous. Hermione looked at Lucius, who had a look of pure ecstasy. Duvessa disappeared in a puff of black feathers and Voldemort turned to Malfoy. It seemed they had forgotten about Hermione. For now she stayed where she was until she could regain control of her body and sort out what she had just heard. What is that supposed to mean?
"Lucius, what news do you bring me?" Voldemort asked as Malfoy stepped closer and once again fell to his knees.
"My Lord, I have heard that Harry Potter has become an Animagus, but I have not found out what form he holds." He lifted his face and an evil grin played upon his handsome features. "I also know he is coming to save the mudblood."
At this Hermione's heart sank. Oh, Harry. Please don't come for me! Think with your head for once! Wait. Did he say Harry was an Animagus? Hermione was very confused by know. Her friend is going to come rushing to save her and get killed at the same time. She was happy that he cared so much, angry that he wasn't thinking, and sad because she didn't want to lose him. Or was it too late, and Snape had already finished him off? No, that can't be. If Harry really was an Animagus he would have gotten away. Why didn't he tell me? This is no time to think about that, you have to stay with what's going on around you! Hermione reprimanded herself.
"I SAID COME HERE GIRL!" Hermione shot her head up and saw Lucius Malfoy staring at her. He was only a few feet away and was coming closer. She scrabbled away from the tree and bumped into something else. Something human.
"Have we forgotten our place already?" She turned around to see Lord Voldemort standing there, his lipless smile on his face once again.
Hermione made to back away from him, when with deathly quickness he had hold of the back of her head and a hand full of her chestnut brown hair. Hermione gasped as he pulled her to her feet. Hermione murmured a swear word under her breath as he pulled her head back further. His other hand played around her neck, where the marks of his fingers were still visible.
He enjoys this! He enjoys watching people suffer at his hands! Hermione thought. Her hatred began to well inside of her again. She had every urge to spit in his face. He knew it and waited for it so he could put her through more pain. Maybe I should act obedient. At least for now. Hermione stopped herself from being, well, herself.
"No, Lord. I was simply dazed from the Banshee's scream and did not know where I was." Hermione shook as Lucius stepped next to her. Voldemort freed her hair and let his hand slide down to her cheek, sending chills through Hermione's body. She continued to shudder under his touch, waiting for the dagger to reappear. His smile widened.
"I can see through you my dear," he spoke so softly that only Hermione could hear him, "and you are lying. But I will allow you to live this time." He put his other hand on her bare shoulder and a searing pain surged through her as a reminder. She tried to back away, but he held her firmly by the shoulders. Hermione looked away from Voldemort and fixed her gaze on Malfoy. His eyes sparkled with anticipation of her punishment. Then he finally said something to her, with an air of utter arrogance as only a Malfoy could.
"What does Potter turn into, Mudblood?" Hermione was turning a slight shade of pink from her anger. She may feel vulnerable when Voldemort threatened her, but when it was a Malfoy...
"I don't know! I wouldn't tell you if I did, and my name is Hermione not Mudblood! I thought you would at least know that, since your son has lost two duels to me now." She smiled at the look of absolute rage that took over Lucius. She looked back at Voldemort and was shocked to see him laughing. He put his arm out to stop Malfoy from striking her.
"You will have your chance soon enough Lucius. It seems Hermione is only brave when it comes to words. Perhaps I should cut out her tongue." Hermione's eyes grew wide with fright. "See, you just have to use her fear and she is more submissive. And I do believe that I am her fear." Hermione looked back at Malfoy, his sneer had returned. Abruptly Voldemort touched her cheek. Hermione jumped, and there was no way to hide the fact that she did. "Is that not so?"
"I am afraid of no one!" She said in a hoarse whisper.
"Lucius leave us!" He gave Malfoy a commanding glance and he disappeared. "I believe we should go inside." Voldemort pulled her through the door and they walked into a small room.
It wasn't the one she had been in before. It was much more elegant. There were two crimson red chairs by a stone fireplace that was engraved with designs of snakes. In the hearth of the fireplace a glorious fire ignited and roared into the darkness. Hermione could make out the outline of another bed, but the curtains gave off the color of the blackest shadows. On the bed laid Nagini. She had raised her head when the fire started to burn and was working her way to one of the bed posts. No paintings hung on the walls, nor any other form of decoration could be seen. That was partly because most of the room was still shrouded in darkness. Without knowing how, Hermione realized she was sitting in one the chairs.
"You say you fear no one, not even me. Then why is it you try to run when I am near? Or shudder at my touch?" Hermione sat silent for a while watching as Nagini wrapped herself around his arm. Does he really want me to answer him? What will happen if I do? I am afraid, but I have to think of something to say. Hermione swallowed hard. She looked down at the fire and let her eyes linger to the top of the mantle piece. There on the very top sat Hermione's wand. My Wand! If I could get to it. What I'm I thinking, I wouldn't last two minutes. Voldemort followed her gaze and smiled.
"Do you wish to challenge me to a duel? I can assure you that no one has ever survived." He took a seat in the chair next to her.
"Except for Harry." Hermione mumbled as a small smile crept to her lips. She was still gazing at her wand and didn't notice that Voldemort had heard her. His face grew into a cold deathly expression of fury.
" Crucio!!!" Hermione's body wrenched in the chair. She screamed out, her mind remembering the throbbing sensations. Salty tears rolled down her face as the pain intensified. She could hear the bitter sound of Voldemort's laughter. His voice rang out over the hurt. "The boy who lived will soon be no more!" He lifted her from the hold of the curse and she fell from the chair. She laid there weeping for several minutes, trying to control the emotions that fled into her mind and heart.
[pic]
He shall regret that! Lord Voldemort has no idea what power the girl holds and I shall not be the one to tell him. She will be his destruction. Duvessa was walking through a dark forest in search of her quarry. Her silver-white hair sweeping behind her in the cold night's breeze. Shadows danced on her green traveling coat that had a few black feathers on it. She walked quietly to insure Severus wouldn't know he was being followed.
"Severus, I know you're in here and you too Harry. I can sense the sadness within your hearts." Crack! Duvessa stopped in her tracks. A blur ran past her. "Severus! I am not here to play games with ye! Give me the boy an' I'll be on my way!" A black wolf appeared from behind one of the trees. His yellow eyes sparkled dangerously.
No, but I am here to play games with you. Your Irish tongue is slipping.
" I still hold my vow! If it weren't for the Lord wanting a word with ye you'd be dead by now! I swear it upon what ye took from me!" Duvessa's voice broke in rage; tears running down her cheeks.
Very well! POP! A very happy looking Severus Snape now stood in front of the grieving Banshee. "I don't believe you'll ever fulfill that vow. Taking my life is not as easy as it seems and I did not kill your beloved." He smiled and started for the edge of the forest. Duvessa trailed behind him.
"Where's the boy? Voldemort wants him and I know he's in here." Severus kept walking paying little heed to her words. Duvessa grabbed his arm and he stopped. Snape felt every anguish from his life flee to her hand. He quickly removed it to prevent her from seeing the burden upon his heart at the moment. Severus wasn't sure why, but he thought he was actually starting to care for Granger. He couldn't stand thinking about what Voldemort was doing to her.
"I don't know where Potter is, but I do know he is following me. He thinks that his invisibility cloak hides him from anyone and everyone. He's far too much like James. Thinking nothing shall ever happen to him." Snape began walking to the clearing once more, only to be stopped by Duvessa again.
"How can ye be sure? Why would he risk everything for her?"
"I forgot you lost the ability to love. In any form." He smiled, remembering when he had first met the banshee, though she broke his thoughts.
"An' I have ye to thank for that! Are you saying they're lovers?" Is that why she called out for him? Maybe she is not the one I thought she was.
"Granger and Potter!?! You must be joking. The love they hold is one of friendship. They are willing to do anything for each other and have proved it many times." Severus wasn't sure but he thought he saw Duvessa smile.
There is still a chance she's the one! So many years I have waited! I might be restored. "So, the girl does not have a love?"
"Not that I know of. Why are you so interested in Granger now? I thought you were sent for Potter?" Snape looked at her questioningly.
"It is none of you're affair! And I am here for Harry, but it seems Voldemort will just have to wait until he shows at his doorstep." She brushed pass Severus and walked out of the forest.
"Are you disobeying your master now?" Duvessa halted and turned sharply on her heel.
"NOW YOU LISTEN TO ME! I 'AVE NO MASTER!" Duvessa took one deep breath and she almost hissed it at him. "I simply serve Voldemort until true power is born. Soon enough you will see a force that can destroy that snake of a man! On the new moon new life will retake the old and revisit the past." Severus stood dumbfounded. Never had she spoken in such a way since see was a fairy and for a moment her hair gleamed a chestnut brown, but it faded as quickly as the wind. "Now let us leave here. I 'ave things to attend to." In a great puff of black feathers Duvessa took flight as a screeching raven.
What does she mean by all that? Harry stuck his head out from Severus' robes, his tongue tasting the air.
"I have no bloody clue! Though I think it has to do with her past." Harry tried to blink in astonishment, but he had no eyelids. "And with Hermione."
Hermione? What about Hermione? Harry thought aloud.
"Potter, will you please be silent?! I'm trying to think!" Snape spat at the small snake that was now Harry Potter. Harry set himself deep in Snape's pocket. Then he had an afterthought that he couldn't help but say.
Does it hurt? Snape shot an icy glare at his pocket that would have stopped a manticore in its tracks.
"POTTER! Hold that forked tongue of yours or I might be inclined to tie you in a knot!" Harry fell silent. Severus smoothed back his greasy hair, in attempt to compose his already frazzled state. "I believe we should follow Duvessa now. I have a feeling that there is very little time left for your friend." With a small pop Snape vanished into the dark night.