12.

The fools we are as men. -Ryan Adams

As her feet hit the ground she opened her eyes. It wasn't the same Great Hall nor was it the sitting room as before but instead a small open room with high walls and a door to the left. There were only four other figures in the room. She felt Severus' hand on the small of her back.

" What is this place?" She asked.

She heard his voice crack as he spoke. " The feasting room."

Dread washed over Severus, maybe he wouldn't be around to see her through this. The feasting room was where Voldemort called the disloyal. He'd fill the room with a few others and let them sweat it out until he showed and announced the one they were to " feast " on. It didn't make him feel any less apprehensive that Hermione was called into the room. Had she already informed Voldemort? Did she turn him in minutes after she jump off his lap; scampering to her master, giggling about how the "traitor" never saw what hit him? He sighed deeply waiting for his fate.

Hermione was horrified; she wasn't sure how she felt about Severus yet. He seemed to be a completely different person, still sarcastic and foreboding but intelligent and comforting and for him to sound nervous was not a good sign. The feasting room, that didn't carry the same pleasant feelings that the great hall gave her. No, it worried her, that for once in her life she wasn't confident in what was to come.

Her thoughts were interrupted as Lord Voldemort came into the room. Serverus pulled her to her knees.

" Bow you head, Hermione." He harshly whispered.

            " Severus, what is going-"

            " Be quiet." He hissed.

            " My Hermione, step forward." Voldemort voice carried throughout the room.

Hermione rose carefully, keeping her head bowed until she stood directly in front of Voldemort.

            " Yes, My Lord?" She called.

            " Hermione, my dear, do not worry." He said as he removed her mask slipping it into her side pocket.

            " I want you to join me at my side while we witness the discipline. You see, I found there to be a traitor thwarting our cause, my dearest."

            " My lord, who would dishonor you?" She asked.

            " That my dear is the question of the night. Who would dishonor me so?"

            Voldemort walked up to the kneeling figures. Hermione could see Severus bowing in the middle, two on each of his sides. Voldemort paced in front of the five figures; pausing every few seconds to mumble something under his breath. He halted in between Severus and the figure on his left. Her heart paused in fear.

            " What have you to say for yourself?" Voldemort asked.

            Severus refused to open his mouth until Voldemort spoke his name. Minutes passed by with nothing but the sound of harsh and nervous breathing.

            Then Voldemort raised his boot recoiling back and striking a mask sliding across the floor.

            Severus' sighed a mental breath, but inhaled quickly as Voldemort came and stood in front of him again.

            "Severus?"

            " Y-yes, My lord?" He asked, his voice shaky.

" I want you to teach this traitor a lesson." He spat while moving back to the front of the room where Hermione stood.

            " Severus has a certain talent for these matters, Hermione." Voldemort spoke softly. " However, I would be honored if you were terminate the man after, Severus has taught him a valuable lesson. One he's not likely to forget."

            Hermione shook with rage her mind in turmoil. She wasn't a murder her heart was screaming, no one deserved to be tortured, but her arm throbbed with every indignant thought telling her that the traitor deserved it. She watched as Severus cast curse after curse. She heard the man screaming, begging for mercy. This wasn't what she wanted, or what she thought she'd be expose to, but with every step towards the bleeding man her mark surged with power, power from hating. " This is what you wanted' a voice sung to her. 'Power, honor, arrogance."

            " No" She cried out. " Not like this."

            A swell of pain flooded her body as her arm began to bleed. " I won't kill him." She whispered forcing her self away from the man, as Severus looked up at her.

            " The best thing you can give him now is death." He whispered to her retreating form.

            She looked up to him. Seeing the grief circling in his eyes. He reached for her hand, grasping it for reassurance.

            " You have to do it." He murmured to her.

 She nodded pulling out her wand and casting her first unforgivable.

A/N: Okay, I know what you're saying " So saw that coming." :0) But trust me she still has the mark and she still has to fight the urge to be evil… so if you're liking Evil Hermione trust me she'll pipe up every now then! (Grins wickedly)

So tell me what you think? I have to tell you its taking me a while to decide if I want her to stay evil and turn Severus in or have her do the spy thing as well. I like the idea of the spy Hermione cause it'll work out with a few other ideas' I've got going on but if you want to see her turn him in I'll be happy to oblige.