- Chapter 13 -

Kidnapped

When Severus entered the Great Hall, he saw that Willow was already sitting at the Slytherin table. He saw also that that git Draco Malfoy was again trying to coax her into conversation.

What is that brat trying to pull? He thought to himself, as he made his way up to the head table and took his seat.

He was so distracted with his thoughts that he didn't see the timid smile that Willow shot him as he passed by where she sat. Willow's smile melted from her face when Severus didn't even acknowledge her as he passed. He had looked her way, she was sure of it.

He must still be pissed at me cause I ran. She thought. Well, I won't run again, that's for sure. Now, to just get him to kiss me again.

Her train of thought was derailed as Draco's words penetrated her brain.

"What are you planning on doing during the Hogsmeade weekend?" He asked casually, while he buttered a piece of toast.

"Oh, I don't think I'm going to Hogsmeade." Willow replied just as casually.

No, she didn't plan on going to Hogsmeade. She had a plan to put into action. She had a feeling that this prophecy was going to go down pretty soon. She had no idea how she knew, but she did. And she also had a feeling that if Remus and Severus were not on friendly terms, then they didn't stand a snowball's chance in Hades of overcoming this dark evil guy known as Voldemort. So, she had devised a plan to sort of 'bring them together' so to speak. They would either wind up resolving their differences, or killing one another. She was opting for the former, but dreading she would get the latter.

"Oh, come on. You've got to go. I was hoping we could share a butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks." Draco urged.

Willow sighed. Why was Draco pushing this? He had been trying like hell to get into her good graces for some reason. And Willow wanted to know why. From what she had heard from pretty much everyone, even a few Slytherins, Draco Malfoy did not want to be your friend unless he was up to something.

"Draco, why do you want this so bad? I mean, you barely know me, and you're all 'bestest buds in the whole wide world, can't stand a second apart'. Well, newsflash. I already have a bestest bud. And just because Xander is way across the continent where I can't hug him, or talk to him, or cry on his big manly shoulders when I feel like it, does NOT mean I am looking for a substitute. So why don't you just STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM ME!"

By the time Willow had finished, her voice was raised in a loud shout. Slamming down the napkin in her hand, she rose from the table, and with every student and teacher in the Great Hall looking at her, Willow stormed out the doors. Leaving Draco with a shocked and embarrassed expression on his face. Everyone occupying the Great Hall looked from one to another. Some with surprised looks on their faces, others with astonishment. But two people, one teacher and one student, had a look of satisfaction and relief plastered onto their faces.

Severus Snape hid his smile behind his hand, ducking down and resumed eating his breakfast. From the corner of his eye, he observed an equally grinning Harry Potter at the Gryffindor table, merrily nibbling on a piece of toast.

~*~

Willow was storming down the corridor toward her room, when she heard someone calling her name. Turning, she saw Giles jogging toward her.

"Willow, wait up." He called to her.

She waited patiently for him to reach her before she said anything. "What is it, Giles? Is there a problem?" She asked, after taking a look at his face and seeing the worried look in his eyes.

"Yes Willow, you might say that." Giles said as he grabbed Willow by the arm and began to march her up the corridor in the direction he had just come.

"Wha- Giles?! What's wrong?" Willow asked, trying to keep up with his pace.

"We just need to get to the headmaster's office immediately." Was his only statement.

"Hey, careful, my arm is attached there, you know?" Willow protested, when she couldn't keep up.

Giles didn't say a word, but continued to pull Willow along behind him. Suddenly, Willow realized something.

"Wait a minute. Giles? This isn't the way to Dumbledore's office."

As soon as the words left her lips, a sharp pain began in the pit of her stomach, causing her to double over. Something was wrong. Giles was wrong.

"You're not Giles!" Willow gasped out through the pain and began to struggle desperately against the vice-like grip on her arm.

The figure that looked like Rupert Giles said nothing, just continued dragging Willow down the corridor. Toward the exit. Willow cursed herself for the stupid decision of not bringing her wand with her. She was reluctant to try anything without it. She had to do something, but what? She came to the realization that she was in quite a fix. Then, it came to her. The bond. Closing her eyes, she focused her mind and began to call out for the one person who could help her.

~*~

Inside the Great Hall, Harry sat at the Gryffindor table, eating his breakfast and listening to his friends go on about the little show Willow had put on at Draco Malfoy's expense.

"I still can't believe she told Malfoy off." Ron said, while munching on a piece of bacon. Then he remembered her little face-off with Snape the day they had arrived at school, and recanted with a, "Wait a minute...yes I can. That girl's crazy."

Brandy, who was sitting to Ron's right, gave him a poke with her elbow in his ribs at that comment.

"Ow." He said while rubbing his side. Though when he looked at Brandy, he had a goofy grin on his face.

Harry and Hermione, who were seated across from Ron and Brandy, took in this little display with interest. They glanced at one another briefly with a knowing smile. All of a sudden, Harry let out a sharp gasp, dropped his fork with a resounding clatter to his plate, and grabbed at his scar with both hands.

Hermione, Ginny, Ron and Brandy immediately looked to Harry with worried expressions.

"Harry?" Hermione asked, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"My scar." Harry hissed out.

"Oh, no." Ron moaned dispairingly.

"What's going on?" This from Brandy, who had yet to understand what the burning of the scar meant.

"Something bad." Ron answered her question, his brows furrowed in worry.

"It's Willow." Harry cried out, at the exact same moment that Professor Snape shot to his feet at the head table. Harry and Snape's eyes locked for a moment, and then they were both racing out the Great Hall's entrance. Lupin, Giles, McGonagall and Dumbledore right behind them.

~*~

Snape had just been finishing up his meal when a voice entered his mind with some urgency.

Cranky Pants!

It took him completely by surprise and he was stunned at the realization of just who's voice it was.

Willow? He thought back across the link.

That's my name, don't wear it out. Came the snarky reply. Now will you listen, I need help!!

You're telling me. Snape shot back sarcastically.

Seriously, I'm being kidnapped here.

It was then that the urgency of her voice as well as the wierdness of her speaking to him telepathically hit him.

Where are you? He asked.

Giles is... well, something that looks a heck of a lot like Giles, anyway, is dragging me to outside of the school as we speak. And I don't have my wand. I suggest you move your ass, mister!! Came her pleading thought.

Snape shot to his feet, just as he heard Harry Potter shout Willow's name. His eyes locked with Potter's for an instant before they both raced out of the Great Hall. Both hoping they got to Willow in time.

~*~

TBC...