A/N: I'm not that good at fight scenes but I gave it my best. I hope you guys like it!
-Severus-
The hold he had on Hermione's waist was particularly tight as he entered the gaudily decorated ballroom. After winning the Battle of Hogwarts, the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters had become very used to decadent and sumptuous surroundings. Most of the ball's attendees were already there in small groups chatting, drinking, and laughing with each other. And why shouldn't they? To them, life was finally going according to plan and their faith in the Dark Lord's promises was strong. Nigh unshakable even. But there were a few….. The ones unable to curry Lord Voldemort's favor that could care less about this ball. But, regardless of those feelings everyone was compelled to attend from lowly members to people like him, a member of the inner circle. And it was with that knowledge that Severus was determined to keep Hermione by his side the whole evening.
A young, lowly Death Eater announced his arrival and took their cloaks. Severus's face was flat, almost bored and his manner was dismissive. And as he joined his "fellows" he had to ignore their leering looks at Hermione. She was right of course. The other men and women had dressed their slaves up like tarts. Or whatever the word for the male equivalent was in some cases. Most hadn't even bothered to place glamours on their bruises. The sight made Severus's stomach turn. Hermione trembled beside him and he wished he could soothe her. Luckily she otherwise made no outward show of disgust and instead played the role of the dutiful slave. Head down and clinging to her master.
He just hoped that she could maintain her cool when they were face to face with the Dark Lord. If she didn't, Voldemort might become curious and search her mind, then the new Order's surprise wouldn't be all that surprising anymore. Worse still, they would both be dead. The Dark Lord sat on a throne as gaudily adorned as the rest of the ballroom. How something could be both dark and glaringly garish at one time was beyond him. "Ah, Severus, so good of you to come," A familiar sibilant voice crooned darkly. Severus knelt down alongside Hermione, only rising at the Dark Lord's permission. "And you brought the little mudblood. A little overdressed, but I'm sure that will be remedied soon when the main event starts."
"With all due respect sir, I intend to make Miss Granger my wife," Next to him, Hermione tensed. He knew why. He was off script, but standing in front of the Dark Lord, hearing his slithering, malevolent voice and seeing the men and women who followed this fiend, all dressed up and ready to partake in debauchery. It was more than Snape could bear. Years of this, enough was enough.
Voldemort hissed. "Honestly Severus, marrying the mudblood is unnecessary. You can keep your toy."
"Do not refer to Hermione in such a derogatory manner," Severus commanded, stunning the Dark Lord. "She is everything you hate. Everything you wish you could have been. Hermione is kind, beautiful, intelligent, patient, powerful, and so much more than you will ever be. She is worthy of more respect than anyone else in this room- including you, Tom. I am done following your orders and it's time I put an end to your reign of terror."
Lord Voldemort was outraged. "You could never defeat me!" He exclaimed, whipping out his wand. "Avada-"
"Oh but I can," a voice rang out across the room. All eyes turned to a familiar boy with messy hair, glasses and a scar in the shape of a lightning bolt.
"Harry Potter," Voldemort spat. "I thought I killed you."
"No, you killed a man I call my brother. Ronald Bilius Weasley. A warrior for the side of Light. He died in my place that night so I can end you now!"
"Kill the traitor, Harry Potter is mine!" Lord Voldemort hissed.
As he said this, Order and DA members, along with the American witches and wizards stormed the ballroom. And the war was on.
-Hermione-
There was yelling. And lights of various colors and intensities flying across the room at top speed. Bodies already littered the floor and by the end of the night there would be even more. Hermione got separated from Severus quickly as she went on a mission to rescue the slaves. She was specifically charged with leading them to the escape hatch. But that was done and now she was trying to get back to her lover. His declaration of love still ringing in her ears.
She knew he loved her, but she never imagined it was to that degree. That's why she had to make it back to him. Well, that is if she didn't get killed in the process. Hermione frowned but continued to send stunners into the circle, her eyes searching for Severus across the large area. She found him amidst a horde of Death Eaters, obviously keen on killing the traitor. Hermione ducked from her position, and began making her way across the room, terrified she wouldn't be quick enough as she came into combat with another two Death Eaters.
She had lost focus whilst trying to get to Severus and was hit in the shoulder; the spell tore through the flesh on her arm as blood seeped through her clothing. She turned to find the casters wand in her face, Narcissa Malfoy. "Got you now filthy mudblood. You poisoned my own son against us. You'll pay for that."
Hermione rolled her eyes. She didn't have time for this. "Out of my way, bitch." She said decking the woman in the face.
Sometimes the muggle way was best.
She sent a string of hexes out, bodies falling as she managed to maneuver her way to stand next to him, and then back to back; working with him against the force of those wanting to harm them both. "Hermione!" Severus called out, once she had her back pressed up against his. "Leave now, while there's still a chance. I can hold them off long enough for you to flee."
Hermione growled, "Severus if you think I'm leaving you now. You're crazy!" She shouted, right as she dodged another spell, cueing Snape to do the same. They jumped in opposite directions, the blast shattering the pillar behind them. The rocks rained down scattering them all. Hermione looked back, searching for Severus in dust and flurry of fleeing people. But she did not see him. And then she looked down.
And all she could see was a pale hand and trail of blood seeping out from underneath a pile of rubble.
