"Ennervate." Professor McGonagall's voice rang through Harry's ears.
Harry's eyes fluttered open and he became aware of a sharp rock pressing
against his spine. He reflexively sat up as quickly as possible and
accidentally bumped into Professor McGonagall. She immediately fell to the
ground. Her glasses were askew on her stern face and her hat was slightly
tilted to one side.
"S-Sorry Professor!" Harry stammered standing up and helping McGonagall up as well.
"It's quite alright Potter." She said fixing her hat and glasses.
Harry looked around him, finally realizing that he was no longer in the forest next to the Riddle's house. Instead he was standing in the middle of a dirt and graveled road. There were a hundred lights not far down the road. Where am I? Harry mentally smacked himself in the head. Hogsmeade Harry, you stupid git! He turned around searching for Hermione. Duvessa must have brought her back too. Harry began looking frantically for her. He saw Professor Dumbledore talking calmly to a very upset Duvessa, but where was Hermione? Or Snape? "Potter, what is wrong with you?" Harry stopped abruptly.
"Where's Hermione??" He asked fear flooding in on him. Professor McGonagall placed a hand on his shoulder.
"She's with Professor Snape. He'll get her out of there as soon as possible." She said quietly. "Dumbledore and I would go after them, but Duvessa can't remember where the house is. So, we'll just have to wait patiently."
Harry pushed her hand away in a fit of rage. I can't wait that long! What if Voldemort changes his mind on how useful she is? What does Draco plan on doing to her?!
"Harry?" A very singsong voiced called him. He spun on his heel to see who it was. Duvessa was standing there, tears rolling down her cheeks. "Severus will take care of her." Harry nodded weakly which made his head pound.
"Harry, is there anything you can remember before Lucius stunned you?" Dumbledore asked tentatively. Harry crossed his arms across his chest, thinking intently about the last few hours. He sighed.
"The last thing I remember is watching Duvessa running to Hermione. She was in a lot of pain. Behind Duvessa and Hermione Voldemort was making Draco a Death Eater. I heard her scream and everything fell silent. Duvessa helped her up. She began to glow. Then...then...I'm sorry Professor." Harry hung his head low. Why can't I remember?!
"It's okay Harry. I didn't expect you to remember much. Hermione put a very powerful summoning spell on you." Harry looked up into his eyes. They were tried and most of the twinkle had left them. "Don't worry Harry, we'll get Hermione back. I promise you that."
[pic]
How am I supposed to get her out of here now! For being so smart she can be extremely stupid! Severus was pacing back and forth in front of a very large fireplace. They had returned inside and now he had to figure out a punishment for Hermione that wasn't too painful, but that had to also please Lucius. That insufferable git! He has always been too eager to torture first and think later.
He stopped a moment and looked around him. They were in a fairly large room. Several chairs and a few small tables scattered throughout what could be considered as a muggle living room. Hermione was sitting in a large green chair next to Draco. For some reason Draco kept staring at her. Snape shuddered. It looked as if he was sizing up his prey. She didn't seem to care. She was too busy watching Lucius, who was standing in a dark corner. He had his arms crossed, thumbing his wand. Suddenly Hermione turned and look at Draco.
"What did you say?" She asked, her nose wrinkling in disgust.
"I didn't say anything!" Draco snapped back.
"You most certainly did! I heard you!" His eyes flashed to Severus who just shrugged.
"Granger, I think you're going mad." Draco said shifting in the chair.
"What did you hear exactly?" Severus walked towards the two teenagers. She eyed him suspiciously. I'm not saying that! Hermione thought.
"Well, you don't have to yell about it!" Draco shot her a threatening look.
"She didn't yell Draco." Lucius said quietly as he joined Severus.
"Yes she did. She said I'm not saying that!"
"I thought that, but I didn't say it." Hermione said matter-of- factly. Lucius and Severus were now looking at them very oddly.
"What is she thinking right now?" Lucius asked giving Hermione a small smirk.
"That's none of your business!" Hermione shouted and the flames of the fire blazed higher, turning to a deep blue color. Both Snape and Lucius took a few hurried steps away from the flames as they began to rise over the mantle.
"Fitracanus!" Voldemort's menacing voice rose over the somewhat panicked atmosphere. The fire died instantly, leaving in a silent hiss. "How is it that two of my most powerful Death Eaters are not able to control this mere CHILD!?!" His voice cracked the air like lighting.
Hermione felt a small ball of fear start to form in the pit of her stomach, but there was something else hiding in the back of her mind. She could feel Draco's fear as well and his hate. So much like her own.
This is bad! Draco's hushed voice flooded into Hermione's mind.
Well, just look on the bright side ferret boy. At least he didn't kiss you! Draco glared at her.
Stop thinking about it! It's almost as bad.
"That's enough!" Voldemort shouted at them. Draco and Hermione looked up at him slowly, since they had been staring at one another again.
"You can hear us?" Draco asked, feeling his fear grow in size.
"Of course he can! You're linked to him and I'm linked to you. So it makes perfect sense that he would be able to hear everything we say..." Hermione said all of this very quickly realizing the mistake of thinking so openly. She looked over at Severus and Lucius. They were both standing as if they had just seen a Basilisk; ghostly white and unmoving.
"Very good. Did you figure that out all on your own?" He walked over to Hermione and Draco. They just sat there and stared up into his piercing red eyes. "Give me your left arm Draco."
Timidly Draco moved his arm towards the Dark Lord. Voldemort grabbed his wrist sending a cold pain down through his body. He gently pulled Draco's sleeve down and touched the dark mark with his index finger. A sensation like no other took hold of Draco. It was like a frozen fire ripping him apart. He gritted his teeth to hold back the screams that were trying to escape. Then he heard one.
Was that me? Draco thought. No, it came from Granger. Draco turned his eyes to the chair next to him and sure enough Hermione was crying out. Snape was next to her, trying to insure nothing blew up while she was out of control. Voldemort removed his hands and Hermione fell against Professor Snape. She looked very pale and weak. For some reason Draco thought he actually felt pity for her.
"Severus take her back to the room upstairs. Draco go with him." Draco and Snape both made small nods with their heads. Draco stood up and left the room. Severus carefully picked Hermione up and followed Draco. Once they were gone Voldemort turned to Lucius. "So?"
"He is a traitor. Severus did everything he could to protect the girl. Then he allowed Duvessa to escape with the Potter boy." Lucius explained with a certain glee.
"And how is it you also allowed them to escape?" Voldemort questioned icily.
"I had stunned the boy, but the half breed managed to knock me down some how." Lucius said with an air of resentment.
"Very well." Voldemort smiled when he saw that fear still lay in Malfoy's eyes. "And as for Severus. The traitor will be disposed of as an example to the rest."
[pic]
Hermione put her arms around Severus' neck as she let her head rest lightly on his shoulder. Her eyes were closed and she was breathing softly. Severus could feel her heart beat against his chest. The scent of her hair was like lavender blooms. It was intoxicating. Stop that! He scolded himself.
Draco opened the door to the room and sat down in one of the chairs. It was like Voldemort's, only the bed had green silk covering it and the chairs were black. Severus laid Hermione on the bed and drew the curtains so she would have some sort of privacy. Then very wearily he sat across from Draco who was clutching his arm.
"You'll never get used to the pain." Snape said as Draco met his gaze.
"I know, and in a way I wish I had never joined him." His brow furrowed. "He's going to kill you."
"I know." Severus said quietly. Draco looked over at the bed were Hermione was sleeping.
"She's dreaming." He said with a pleasant smile. It made Draco's normally cold expression look almost happy and youthful. He closed his eyes, falling into the bliss of it. "It's amazing. She's in an enchanted forest I think. The tree heights are endless, and it's like a hundred little castles are built on each one. Fairies are flying everywhere..." His voice drifted.
"Draco?" There was no answer; He was asleep.
Lights flew around the trees, chasing after each other. Fairies stood on balconies in the castle like homes. Elves raced down in the golden leaves, waving to some of the giggling fairies. Under one of the largest trees a very beautiful fairy was talking to a young elf. She twisted her fingers in her hair as she fluttered her wings. Her hair was chestnut brown with silver streaks flowing down each side. Her cinnamon brown eyes sparkled on her pale skin. Her cheeks and lips stained a delicate pink and she wore a light blue dress, that stopped a little higher than her knee. The elf stood smiling at her. His dark blue hair shining in the mid-day sun. The sun which seemed to fill his golden eyes. He had a dark green vest and black pants on. Very unusual for an elf.
"Do you wish to race me fae?" He asked her coyly.
"If ye don't mind losin'." She said with a sweet smile.
"You can't be usin' them wings of yours now." She landed softly on the ground and her mist green wings folded in to nothing.
"Fair enough, but ye can't use none of your tricks." He looked at her as if wounded. "Don't ye say it! I know all about you elves."
"Really now?"
"Really!" He flashed her another smile.
"Down to the green oak there?" She nodded. " Alright, so on the count three." They both got ready to race. "THREE!" And he was off. The fae ran right after him, a trail of leaves behind them.
"Ye dirty cheat." She exclaimed as she grew closer to him. He turned around and began running backwards.
"You're going to 'ave to run faster than that, if you wish to beat me." He said with a laugh. Suddenly her wings popped out and she flew clear over him, nearly taking his head off. "Now wait a minute! That's cheatin'!"
He turned around again to face forward and was not far behind the fae woman. She then turned around to see where he was and he leaped from the ground. He grabbed her around the shoulders, pinning her arms. Her wings disappeared and they began to fall to the ground. They hit the soft earth, sliding a few feet in the leaves.
"You cheated." He said taking a few deep breaths.
"You cheated first!" She said panting from the long race. He rested his head at the base of her neck. Her heart was racing. He wished to hold her like this forever.
"I believe you have bewitched me." He said quietly.
"And why do you say that?" She asked as he let go of her and sat up. She then propped herself on her elbows, a couple of leaves fell from her hair.
"Because I think I love you." She smiled at him.
"Then you have bewitched me as well, for a fear I feel the same." She giggled and he laughed with her.
Then he leaned closer to her and kissed her tenderly. She closed her eyes and put her arms around his neck. He pulled her closer, his heart beating faster. They let go and she looked into his eyes. They were grey and his hair changed to a silver blonde.
"Draco?" The fae said suspiciously.
"Hermione?" Draco looked as alarmed as Hermione.
[pic]
Harry leaned lazily against a tree watching the lights of Hogsmeade. He was thinking about Hermione again. He couldn't stand the thought of someone hurting her, especially because of him. So many people have already suffered because of him and he wanted it to stop.
"Don't blame yourself Harry." Dumbledore's gentle voice interceded Harry's thoughts. "It's not your fault Voldemort does those things."
"But it is Professor. If it wasn't for me this wouldn't have happened and there might have been fewer deaths." Harry said.
"Do you really think Lord Voldemort would stop if he had been able to kill you?" Harry shook his head. "No. He doesn't care for anything and it doesn't matter to him if someone is in pain. He is only interested in power." Dumbledore said quietly.
"Professor Dumbledore!" Duvessa called in a panicked tone. She was holding her left arm. Dumbledore quickly walked over to her with Harry on his heels. Professor McGonagall had gone back to the castle to get something for Albus.
"What's wrong?" He asked in a calm voice, not fearing the answer he already knew she would say.
"Voldemort is calling the Death Eaters. I remember where they are!" She said with revelation.
"S-Sorry Professor!" Harry stammered standing up and helping McGonagall up as well.
"It's quite alright Potter." She said fixing her hat and glasses.
Harry looked around him, finally realizing that he was no longer in the forest next to the Riddle's house. Instead he was standing in the middle of a dirt and graveled road. There were a hundred lights not far down the road. Where am I? Harry mentally smacked himself in the head. Hogsmeade Harry, you stupid git! He turned around searching for Hermione. Duvessa must have brought her back too. Harry began looking frantically for her. He saw Professor Dumbledore talking calmly to a very upset Duvessa, but where was Hermione? Or Snape? "Potter, what is wrong with you?" Harry stopped abruptly.
"Where's Hermione??" He asked fear flooding in on him. Professor McGonagall placed a hand on his shoulder.
"She's with Professor Snape. He'll get her out of there as soon as possible." She said quietly. "Dumbledore and I would go after them, but Duvessa can't remember where the house is. So, we'll just have to wait patiently."
Harry pushed her hand away in a fit of rage. I can't wait that long! What if Voldemort changes his mind on how useful she is? What does Draco plan on doing to her?!
"Harry?" A very singsong voiced called him. He spun on his heel to see who it was. Duvessa was standing there, tears rolling down her cheeks. "Severus will take care of her." Harry nodded weakly which made his head pound.
"Harry, is there anything you can remember before Lucius stunned you?" Dumbledore asked tentatively. Harry crossed his arms across his chest, thinking intently about the last few hours. He sighed.
"The last thing I remember is watching Duvessa running to Hermione. She was in a lot of pain. Behind Duvessa and Hermione Voldemort was making Draco a Death Eater. I heard her scream and everything fell silent. Duvessa helped her up. She began to glow. Then...then...I'm sorry Professor." Harry hung his head low. Why can't I remember?!
"It's okay Harry. I didn't expect you to remember much. Hermione put a very powerful summoning spell on you." Harry looked up into his eyes. They were tried and most of the twinkle had left them. "Don't worry Harry, we'll get Hermione back. I promise you that."
[pic]
How am I supposed to get her out of here now! For being so smart she can be extremely stupid! Severus was pacing back and forth in front of a very large fireplace. They had returned inside and now he had to figure out a punishment for Hermione that wasn't too painful, but that had to also please Lucius. That insufferable git! He has always been too eager to torture first and think later.
He stopped a moment and looked around him. They were in a fairly large room. Several chairs and a few small tables scattered throughout what could be considered as a muggle living room. Hermione was sitting in a large green chair next to Draco. For some reason Draco kept staring at her. Snape shuddered. It looked as if he was sizing up his prey. She didn't seem to care. She was too busy watching Lucius, who was standing in a dark corner. He had his arms crossed, thumbing his wand. Suddenly Hermione turned and look at Draco.
"What did you say?" She asked, her nose wrinkling in disgust.
"I didn't say anything!" Draco snapped back.
"You most certainly did! I heard you!" His eyes flashed to Severus who just shrugged.
"Granger, I think you're going mad." Draco said shifting in the chair.
"What did you hear exactly?" Severus walked towards the two teenagers. She eyed him suspiciously. I'm not saying that! Hermione thought.
"Well, you don't have to yell about it!" Draco shot her a threatening look.
"She didn't yell Draco." Lucius said quietly as he joined Severus.
"Yes she did. She said I'm not saying that!"
"I thought that, but I didn't say it." Hermione said matter-of- factly. Lucius and Severus were now looking at them very oddly.
"What is she thinking right now?" Lucius asked giving Hermione a small smirk.
"That's none of your business!" Hermione shouted and the flames of the fire blazed higher, turning to a deep blue color. Both Snape and Lucius took a few hurried steps away from the flames as they began to rise over the mantle.
"Fitracanus!" Voldemort's menacing voice rose over the somewhat panicked atmosphere. The fire died instantly, leaving in a silent hiss. "How is it that two of my most powerful Death Eaters are not able to control this mere CHILD!?!" His voice cracked the air like lighting.
Hermione felt a small ball of fear start to form in the pit of her stomach, but there was something else hiding in the back of her mind. She could feel Draco's fear as well and his hate. So much like her own.
This is bad! Draco's hushed voice flooded into Hermione's mind.
Well, just look on the bright side ferret boy. At least he didn't kiss you! Draco glared at her.
Stop thinking about it! It's almost as bad.
"That's enough!" Voldemort shouted at them. Draco and Hermione looked up at him slowly, since they had been staring at one another again.
"You can hear us?" Draco asked, feeling his fear grow in size.
"Of course he can! You're linked to him and I'm linked to you. So it makes perfect sense that he would be able to hear everything we say..." Hermione said all of this very quickly realizing the mistake of thinking so openly. She looked over at Severus and Lucius. They were both standing as if they had just seen a Basilisk; ghostly white and unmoving.
"Very good. Did you figure that out all on your own?" He walked over to Hermione and Draco. They just sat there and stared up into his piercing red eyes. "Give me your left arm Draco."
Timidly Draco moved his arm towards the Dark Lord. Voldemort grabbed his wrist sending a cold pain down through his body. He gently pulled Draco's sleeve down and touched the dark mark with his index finger. A sensation like no other took hold of Draco. It was like a frozen fire ripping him apart. He gritted his teeth to hold back the screams that were trying to escape. Then he heard one.
Was that me? Draco thought. No, it came from Granger. Draco turned his eyes to the chair next to him and sure enough Hermione was crying out. Snape was next to her, trying to insure nothing blew up while she was out of control. Voldemort removed his hands and Hermione fell against Professor Snape. She looked very pale and weak. For some reason Draco thought he actually felt pity for her.
"Severus take her back to the room upstairs. Draco go with him." Draco and Snape both made small nods with their heads. Draco stood up and left the room. Severus carefully picked Hermione up and followed Draco. Once they were gone Voldemort turned to Lucius. "So?"
"He is a traitor. Severus did everything he could to protect the girl. Then he allowed Duvessa to escape with the Potter boy." Lucius explained with a certain glee.
"And how is it you also allowed them to escape?" Voldemort questioned icily.
"I had stunned the boy, but the half breed managed to knock me down some how." Lucius said with an air of resentment.
"Very well." Voldemort smiled when he saw that fear still lay in Malfoy's eyes. "And as for Severus. The traitor will be disposed of as an example to the rest."
[pic]
Hermione put her arms around Severus' neck as she let her head rest lightly on his shoulder. Her eyes were closed and she was breathing softly. Severus could feel her heart beat against his chest. The scent of her hair was like lavender blooms. It was intoxicating. Stop that! He scolded himself.
Draco opened the door to the room and sat down in one of the chairs. It was like Voldemort's, only the bed had green silk covering it and the chairs were black. Severus laid Hermione on the bed and drew the curtains so she would have some sort of privacy. Then very wearily he sat across from Draco who was clutching his arm.
"You'll never get used to the pain." Snape said as Draco met his gaze.
"I know, and in a way I wish I had never joined him." His brow furrowed. "He's going to kill you."
"I know." Severus said quietly. Draco looked over at the bed were Hermione was sleeping.
"She's dreaming." He said with a pleasant smile. It made Draco's normally cold expression look almost happy and youthful. He closed his eyes, falling into the bliss of it. "It's amazing. She's in an enchanted forest I think. The tree heights are endless, and it's like a hundred little castles are built on each one. Fairies are flying everywhere..." His voice drifted.
"Draco?" There was no answer; He was asleep.
Lights flew around the trees, chasing after each other. Fairies stood on balconies in the castle like homes. Elves raced down in the golden leaves, waving to some of the giggling fairies. Under one of the largest trees a very beautiful fairy was talking to a young elf. She twisted her fingers in her hair as she fluttered her wings. Her hair was chestnut brown with silver streaks flowing down each side. Her cinnamon brown eyes sparkled on her pale skin. Her cheeks and lips stained a delicate pink and she wore a light blue dress, that stopped a little higher than her knee. The elf stood smiling at her. His dark blue hair shining in the mid-day sun. The sun which seemed to fill his golden eyes. He had a dark green vest and black pants on. Very unusual for an elf.
"Do you wish to race me fae?" He asked her coyly.
"If ye don't mind losin'." She said with a sweet smile.
"You can't be usin' them wings of yours now." She landed softly on the ground and her mist green wings folded in to nothing.
"Fair enough, but ye can't use none of your tricks." He looked at her as if wounded. "Don't ye say it! I know all about you elves."
"Really now?"
"Really!" He flashed her another smile.
"Down to the green oak there?" She nodded. " Alright, so on the count three." They both got ready to race. "THREE!" And he was off. The fae ran right after him, a trail of leaves behind them.
"Ye dirty cheat." She exclaimed as she grew closer to him. He turned around and began running backwards.
"You're going to 'ave to run faster than that, if you wish to beat me." He said with a laugh. Suddenly her wings popped out and she flew clear over him, nearly taking his head off. "Now wait a minute! That's cheatin'!"
He turned around again to face forward and was not far behind the fae woman. She then turned around to see where he was and he leaped from the ground. He grabbed her around the shoulders, pinning her arms. Her wings disappeared and they began to fall to the ground. They hit the soft earth, sliding a few feet in the leaves.
"You cheated." He said taking a few deep breaths.
"You cheated first!" She said panting from the long race. He rested his head at the base of her neck. Her heart was racing. He wished to hold her like this forever.
"I believe you have bewitched me." He said quietly.
"And why do you say that?" She asked as he let go of her and sat up. She then propped herself on her elbows, a couple of leaves fell from her hair.
"Because I think I love you." She smiled at him.
"Then you have bewitched me as well, for a fear I feel the same." She giggled and he laughed with her.
Then he leaned closer to her and kissed her tenderly. She closed her eyes and put her arms around his neck. He pulled her closer, his heart beating faster. They let go and she looked into his eyes. They were grey and his hair changed to a silver blonde.
"Draco?" The fae said suspiciously.
"Hermione?" Draco looked as alarmed as Hermione.
[pic]
Harry leaned lazily against a tree watching the lights of Hogsmeade. He was thinking about Hermione again. He couldn't stand the thought of someone hurting her, especially because of him. So many people have already suffered because of him and he wanted it to stop.
"Don't blame yourself Harry." Dumbledore's gentle voice interceded Harry's thoughts. "It's not your fault Voldemort does those things."
"But it is Professor. If it wasn't for me this wouldn't have happened and there might have been fewer deaths." Harry said.
"Do you really think Lord Voldemort would stop if he had been able to kill you?" Harry shook his head. "No. He doesn't care for anything and it doesn't matter to him if someone is in pain. He is only interested in power." Dumbledore said quietly.
"Professor Dumbledore!" Duvessa called in a panicked tone. She was holding her left arm. Dumbledore quickly walked over to her with Harry on his heels. Professor McGonagall had gone back to the castle to get something for Albus.
"What's wrong?" He asked in a calm voice, not fearing the answer he already knew she would say.
"Voldemort is calling the Death Eaters. I remember where they are!" She said with revelation.