A/N: Yeah! I didn't take too long to upload the story and I want to thank
all those that reviewed and everyone out there who WILL review, euuugh,
enough with my nonsense babbling and on with the story.
Chapter 5 ~Hermione's House~
"HERMIONE!" yelled a panic stricken mother.
Mrs Granger ran up to her daughter engulfing her in a hug that could rival one of Mrs Weasley's.
"Mom, I'm fine." Hermione gasped as her mother let go of her.
Out of the car from behind Hermione stepped Ron and finally Harry. Mrs Granger saw them and began to sob even louder than she was currently doing.
"Thank-you so much for saving my little Mione."
Hermione glared at her mother and Ron tried to hide a laugh.
He nudged her, "little Mione!"
This was a mistake. Hermione swiftly punched him in the stomach making him double over in pain.
"I was just joking!" he gasped.
Harry was watching his two friend in amusement, when would they figure in out? Their bickering was a visible sign of their actual feelings for each other.
Harry and Ron followed Hermione up to the house, Harry was vaguely reminded of the Dursley's house. The neat front garden complemented the clean and newly washed white walls of the house. Harry was expecting immaculately laid out rooms. Instead, most of the house was in a messy scramble. Hermione was looking on the the scene of her house in absolute distaste, she was itching to get everything cleaned up and sorted orderly.
"Hermione dear." started Mrs Granger.
Hermione stamped on Ron's foot to keep him from laughing.
".Won't you take Harry and Ron to your bedroom, I've set up two sleeping bags on mattresses."
Ron stumbled. "Hermione, we can't sleep in your room!" he hissed.
Hermione grinned, "and why ever not Ron? Scared of seeing me change?"
Ron blushed furiously and Harry snorted. They climbed the stairs in silence. Hermione shoved her door open. Her room unlike the rest of the house was perfect. Her walls, bed spread, carpet and furniture were all cream, except for the multiple rows of mahogany bookshelves and a large desk in the corner of her room. An old fashioned window overlooked a fair sized back garden complete with swimming pool. Trees lined the edge of the garden and sprinklers watered neatly patterned flower beds.
Ron sat awkwardly on the corner of Hermione's bed, while Harry slouched into a cream ( yes cream again! ) pouffe. He drifted into thinking about Sirius. His head slipped in to his hands and a well of emotions burst forth. Among them was; anger, regret, guilt and incredible sadness. Was Sirius still alive? He mentally kicked himself for thinking this.
"Harry?" Hermione asked gently.
He forced a smile on to his face.
"I'm fine, just thinking about Sirius."
Ron stood up abruptly, "It's not your fault Harry!"
Harry didn't look at Ron when he replied sarcastically, "Yeah and Cedric wasn't either."
What Harry got for saying this was definitely the last thing he expected. Hermione had given him a swift slap across the cheek. Both Ron and himself gawked at Hermione who's eyes were glinting furiously.
Her voice was menacing, "Harry-Potter, If-you-ever-say-that-again,-I-will- be-the-one-to-kill-you, Not You-Know-Who."
Harry stared at the wall, "I'm sorry, it's just."
He trailed off. "I feel responsible for Sirius and Cedric."
Hermione's hand hovered dangerously close to Harry's face so he hurriedly finished his sentence.
"I know It's not my fault, but I can't help it. I was with them. In a way I'm responsible for both of them. If Cedric hadn't taken the cup with me he'd be alive.and if I hadn't left my invisibility cloak outside the Whomping Willow, Sirius would be free." He stared miserably at his hands awaiting another slap. It didn't come. Instead Harry was pulled in to a tight hug by Hermione. Gosh was she unpredictable.
She had started sobbing, "I'm so sorry Harry, I didn't realise what it was like for you."
Ron also looked sombre, he mumbled an apology then glanced at Hermione who had let go of Harry and was wiping away tears.
Ron awkwardly tried to change the subject. "Hermione, where's the bathroom?"
Hermione glared at him. "RON! How can you be thinking about the bathroom at a time like this?"
Harry couldn't help but smile. Even though the situation was fairly important, his two best friends once again managed to start a fight.
Ron's ears reddened. "Well would you like me to undress in front of you?"
It was Hermione's turn to blush, then she seemed to remember something. "Go right ahead Ron, come on Harry and I are watching."
Ron who of course had not meant this stood stock still. Hermione sure had changed.
Harry grinned. "Don't worry Ron, if you were ever going to change, Hermione would be out of here faster than she could say, Zip it!"
Ron straightened, "Well then why's she waiting?"
"Because Ron," said Hermione, "What are you going to change in to? In case you don't remember you have NO clothes."
Ron quailed, not only because of Hermione's tone of voice, but because of the obviousness of it all.
"Well." he stuttered, "then what are we going to change in to tonight? Your clothes Hermione?" said Ron angrily.
"Don't be ridiculous, we'll go shopping." She snapped once again stating the obvious.
"Oh yes, you'd like that wouldn't you?" said Ron rolling his eyes.
"Fine, don't come, sleep in charcoal, see if I care!" shouted Hermione.
Harry stepped in between the two, just in time to stop Hermione from killing Ron with an eagle feather quill.
"Ron, Hermione's got a point, we really do need clothes."
Ron gave Hermione a last glare which she returned with equal force.
He then said, "Fine, but how are we going to pay for it and who may I ask is going to take us? Diagon Alley's a fair way away and Hermione's fireplace isn't connected to the floo network." Finished Ron triumphantly.
Harry added, "You know, Ron's right Hermione."
Hermione stared at the ceiling and clasped her hands together. "Help me God." She begged.
Ron raised an eyebrow and Harry shrugged.
Hermione said in the simplest voice, "The ministry pays and . muggle clothes." She pointed at Harry. "You of all people should know this Harry."
"But Hermione, we can't use the ministry's money for ever."
"Yes, you're right Ron." Said a voice behind them making the three friends jump. "Apparently you've been paid out a sum of about 2 million galleons."
"WOW!" Ron gaped, that was more money than he'd ever had in his life. Wouldn't Draco be mad when he found out, come to think of it, he probably already knows.
Hermione did some quick calculations then breathed, "Which is approximately 14 million euros ( or dollars, the exchange rate is almost exactly the same. ) Finally Ron found his voice, "Sorry Mrs Granger, do you know why we were paid so much? He asked.
Mrs Granger smiled, "In fact, that's why I came up, your mum's on the telephone and she want's to speak to you." Ron gulped and walked out the room following Hermione's mom to the phone.
~Telephone Conversation ~ (Okay, I'm doing this in dialogue form because it's easier to write and for you to follow.)
Ron: Hello?
Mrs Weasley: RON, are you okay and how's Harry, is everyone alright?
R: Yikes mom, slow down, we're all fine. So what's this news about us getting 2 million galleons?
M.W: Isn't it great! Turns out we had some valuable stuff in the house after all. And it's all thanks to your father and his muggle toys. We're staying at a ministry house along with Percy. Fred and George have gone to stay at Lee Jordan and Ginny is staying with her friend Nicoletta.
R: So mum, when will we be getting a new house and how are we going to buy new clothes?
M.W: Well your father and I are looking for one near the Granger's and the money will be transported, exchanged to the Grangers' house in half an hour but Ron, Pleeeeaze remember to get sensible clothes. *Ron rolls his eyes*
R: What about Harry?
M.W: *Mrs Weasley's voice gets excited* Apparently Harry's being paid out separately about 100 000 galleons. Isn't it exciting?
R: It's unbelievable not exciting. Whoever thought we'd get that much money? Imagine all the chocolate, caramel fudge sundaes.
M.W: Ronald Weasley, you are not to go wasting your money on food, among all things. It won't last for all eternity.
R: Okay mum, only joking!
M.W: Oh, I just remembered Hermione will be getting 1000 galleons as well. I have to get going now. Tell Harry I send my love.
R: Sure, see you mom. Bye.
M.W: Good Bye!
~End of Conversation~
Ron placed the phone back where he supposed it went. He walked back up the stairs in a trance and into Hermione's room.
"And?" she asked
"Your mum was right, we did get 2 million galleons. You got 1000 and Harry got 100 000."
Hermione squeked happily. "I wonder why I got so much. I only lost my trunk, some books, okay well maybe a lot of books and then a few clothes."
Harry looked shocked. "Ha, you wonder why you got so much, look at me! Now that's a fair question to ask in my case!"
"Oh Harry,
said Hermione, "Don't you remember you lost a firebolt and an invisibility cloak."
"Yeah and my dad's cloak too as well as Sirius's present." He said dubiously. "But they can't have been worth THAT much. "he interjected.
Ron added, "It's probably because you're the Harry Potter and all."
Harry glared at Ron. "I didn't ask for fame. You know I'd much rather not have this stupid scar on my head."
Seeing as Ron had only been joking, he was genuinely startled, "I didn't mean anything mate, sorry."
"So when do you think the money will arrive Ron?" asked Hermione not wanting to be in the middle of yet another fight between Harry and Ron.
"Mum said half an hour." Answered Ron, "so I think we'll just have to take off our cloaks and wear our "slightly" singed clothes."
"Well, you guys may have to stay in what you're wearing but I'm changing." Said Hermione huffily.
She whipped open her cupboard and snatched out a bundle of clothes. She walked into her adjoining bathroom and shut the door. Ron's face fell.
"Man, I thought she was gonna change in here!" Harry shook his head. While they waited they stripped off their cloaks and talked a bit about the new house. Ron and his family would be getting.
"You know," said Harry, "It's a good thing Hermione couldn't bring Crookshanks. "
Ron nodded, "Yeah, and we're also really lucky that Hedwig and Pig weren't in. Oh Harry, what happened to Skep? I thought he was supposed to protect you." Said Ron.
"I've got the vauge feeling he's somewhere off with Sirius." Replied Harry.
Ron looked a bit confused so Harry explained.
"When I sent Hedwig out to Sirius with the letter, Skep followed her."
Ron nodded his understanding just as Hermione walked out of the bathroom.
*************** Snape lay crumpled in a heap on the floor. His breathing was ragged and his eyes were watering. Voldemort had never put him under the Cruciatus Curse for so long. His body refused to move. His legs and arms shook uncontrollably. Not from shock although that did play a minor part, but rather from sheer exhaustion. Voldemort kicked him face up.
"Fool! I'm not an idiot. Did you really think I wouldn't find out?" his lips curled nastily. "Severus, I know you are a spy for the mud-blood loving crackpot Dumbeldore."
The death eaters around Voldemort gasped.
"How I did not see it at first I don't know. If I'm correct, you turned traitor 15 years ago. You were among my most highly trusted then you go and betray me. I had high hopes Severus, high hopes." Voldemort shook his head and pursed his lips.
"Lucius, throw him in the cell opposite Black." He said then added, "Let this be a warning to all of you. Betray me and suffer. Don't think you'll get of easily Severus. You and that other piece of trash are blackmail for Potter."
Lucius Malfoy stepped forward and grabbed Snape by the wrist pulling him up. Snape however had regained a bit of his strength and snatched his arm away from Malfoy.
"I'm eternally glad I don't have to kiss the feet of a half-blood cleptomaniac anymore Voldemort." Spat Snape, surprising himself with his own bravery, sure it was stupid but he might as well do it properly, like a Gryffindor. He glared at his 'once master' with utmost loathing.
Lucius was looking at Snape oddly. He had thought that perhaps for a second Snape had been forced on to the light side, but no, obviously he had been mistaken, not a proud thing for a Malfoy to admit. And another thing, tormenting the dark Lord when he was angry already, surely that was a straight way to hell or maybe Snape would be going to heaven, Lucius had no idea.
Voldemort's eyes glimmered in fury. Never had anyone other than the Potter boy talked to him like that and in the face of certain death.
"You laugh at pain Severus, very well, let's see how long you'll laugh shall we?"
Voldemort pointed his wand at Snape and hissed, "Crucio!"
This time Snape did not yell, he began muttering senseless words. Voldemort chortled gleefully having once again got his own back or so he thought.
"You may continue Malfoy." He said retracting his wand.
Snape was led off the the dungeons or wherever is prison cell would be.
Lucius roughly chucked Snape in and locked the wrought iron gate. He made to walk off. He stopped and turning around said, "I'm dumbstruck Severus, what will my son think?"
Snape's brow creased in to a horrible scowl. "I couldn't care less what that little shit thinks Malfoy, I only hope he is not as foolish as you."
Lucius did not look happy, "Draco will take your place Severus and an improvement he will make." With that he slammed the dungeon door placing numerous locking charms on it.
Snape pushed himself back against the cold, stone wall. He closed his eyes. He had failed Dumbeldore and so many others.
"God-damnit!" he swore in an effort of relieving his anger and mounting frustration.
In the cell next to Snape's, Sirius shot awake from a horrible nightmare.
"Who's there?" he asked.
Snape had forgotten that Voldemort had put him near Sirius. "Black, is that you?"
Sirius gasped, "Snape what the hell are you doing in there?"
Snape despite his predicament snapped, "I'm playing Quidditch! What does it look like?"
Sirius snorted, "You play Quidditch, ha, leave that for James!"
An uneasy silence fell at the mention of James's name. Sirius felt his blood begin to heat up again.
"Did you forget to kiss all ten of your master's little toes goodnight? Yes," he said answering his own question, "that must be why you're in here."
Snape really wasn't in the mood for further sarcastic remarks. "Shut it Black! For your information, not that you need to know, I was a spy for Dumbeldore and Voldemort found out."
Sirius was not expecting this. "You were a spy: why aren't you dead?"
Snape rolled his eyes. "Still stupid even after all those years in Azkaban."
Sirius just glared so Snape continued. "Apparently we are black-mail for Potter."
Sirius paled even more, although it might have been the light. He knew Harry would be panic stricken and warned against doing anything but lately Harry had changed and Sirius wondered if he could think sensibly anymore.
Snape was going on about, "Potter this." and "Potter that."
Sirius regained his composure and said fiercely, "Shut up Snap, crackle, pop."
Snape reddened considerably at his old schoolboy nick name given to him by none other than the Marauders themselves.
Sirius jumped practically out of his skin as a soft ball popped in to his hair dragging along with it a sheen of silver material.
A/N: And that's another chapter done , Wheeew I'm tired of typing. I hope you all enjoyed the chapter, sorry to leave you on such a tense ending, but I thought I'd better stop, I mean this is 700 words more than I'd usually write, not that it's that long anyway. Thanks to everyone that reviewed. I didn't get as many reviews as I expected, but maybe I posted at the wrong time. Anyway, till next time, Bye!!!
P.S. . don't forget to Review, Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeez!!!!!
Thanks to Lesley who is my new Beta reader. I really needed it!
Chapter 5 ~Hermione's House~
"HERMIONE!" yelled a panic stricken mother.
Mrs Granger ran up to her daughter engulfing her in a hug that could rival one of Mrs Weasley's.
"Mom, I'm fine." Hermione gasped as her mother let go of her.
Out of the car from behind Hermione stepped Ron and finally Harry. Mrs Granger saw them and began to sob even louder than she was currently doing.
"Thank-you so much for saving my little Mione."
Hermione glared at her mother and Ron tried to hide a laugh.
He nudged her, "little Mione!"
This was a mistake. Hermione swiftly punched him in the stomach making him double over in pain.
"I was just joking!" he gasped.
Harry was watching his two friend in amusement, when would they figure in out? Their bickering was a visible sign of their actual feelings for each other.
Harry and Ron followed Hermione up to the house, Harry was vaguely reminded of the Dursley's house. The neat front garden complemented the clean and newly washed white walls of the house. Harry was expecting immaculately laid out rooms. Instead, most of the house was in a messy scramble. Hermione was looking on the the scene of her house in absolute distaste, she was itching to get everything cleaned up and sorted orderly.
"Hermione dear." started Mrs Granger.
Hermione stamped on Ron's foot to keep him from laughing.
".Won't you take Harry and Ron to your bedroom, I've set up two sleeping bags on mattresses."
Ron stumbled. "Hermione, we can't sleep in your room!" he hissed.
Hermione grinned, "and why ever not Ron? Scared of seeing me change?"
Ron blushed furiously and Harry snorted. They climbed the stairs in silence. Hermione shoved her door open. Her room unlike the rest of the house was perfect. Her walls, bed spread, carpet and furniture were all cream, except for the multiple rows of mahogany bookshelves and a large desk in the corner of her room. An old fashioned window overlooked a fair sized back garden complete with swimming pool. Trees lined the edge of the garden and sprinklers watered neatly patterned flower beds.
Ron sat awkwardly on the corner of Hermione's bed, while Harry slouched into a cream ( yes cream again! ) pouffe. He drifted into thinking about Sirius. His head slipped in to his hands and a well of emotions burst forth. Among them was; anger, regret, guilt and incredible sadness. Was Sirius still alive? He mentally kicked himself for thinking this.
"Harry?" Hermione asked gently.
He forced a smile on to his face.
"I'm fine, just thinking about Sirius."
Ron stood up abruptly, "It's not your fault Harry!"
Harry didn't look at Ron when he replied sarcastically, "Yeah and Cedric wasn't either."
What Harry got for saying this was definitely the last thing he expected. Hermione had given him a swift slap across the cheek. Both Ron and himself gawked at Hermione who's eyes were glinting furiously.
Her voice was menacing, "Harry-Potter, If-you-ever-say-that-again,-I-will- be-the-one-to-kill-you, Not You-Know-Who."
Harry stared at the wall, "I'm sorry, it's just."
He trailed off. "I feel responsible for Sirius and Cedric."
Hermione's hand hovered dangerously close to Harry's face so he hurriedly finished his sentence.
"I know It's not my fault, but I can't help it. I was with them. In a way I'm responsible for both of them. If Cedric hadn't taken the cup with me he'd be alive.and if I hadn't left my invisibility cloak outside the Whomping Willow, Sirius would be free." He stared miserably at his hands awaiting another slap. It didn't come. Instead Harry was pulled in to a tight hug by Hermione. Gosh was she unpredictable.
She had started sobbing, "I'm so sorry Harry, I didn't realise what it was like for you."
Ron also looked sombre, he mumbled an apology then glanced at Hermione who had let go of Harry and was wiping away tears.
Ron awkwardly tried to change the subject. "Hermione, where's the bathroom?"
Hermione glared at him. "RON! How can you be thinking about the bathroom at a time like this?"
Harry couldn't help but smile. Even though the situation was fairly important, his two best friends once again managed to start a fight.
Ron's ears reddened. "Well would you like me to undress in front of you?"
It was Hermione's turn to blush, then she seemed to remember something. "Go right ahead Ron, come on Harry and I are watching."
Ron who of course had not meant this stood stock still. Hermione sure had changed.
Harry grinned. "Don't worry Ron, if you were ever going to change, Hermione would be out of here faster than she could say, Zip it!"
Ron straightened, "Well then why's she waiting?"
"Because Ron," said Hermione, "What are you going to change in to? In case you don't remember you have NO clothes."
Ron quailed, not only because of Hermione's tone of voice, but because of the obviousness of it all.
"Well." he stuttered, "then what are we going to change in to tonight? Your clothes Hermione?" said Ron angrily.
"Don't be ridiculous, we'll go shopping." She snapped once again stating the obvious.
"Oh yes, you'd like that wouldn't you?" said Ron rolling his eyes.
"Fine, don't come, sleep in charcoal, see if I care!" shouted Hermione.
Harry stepped in between the two, just in time to stop Hermione from killing Ron with an eagle feather quill.
"Ron, Hermione's got a point, we really do need clothes."
Ron gave Hermione a last glare which she returned with equal force.
He then said, "Fine, but how are we going to pay for it and who may I ask is going to take us? Diagon Alley's a fair way away and Hermione's fireplace isn't connected to the floo network." Finished Ron triumphantly.
Harry added, "You know, Ron's right Hermione."
Hermione stared at the ceiling and clasped her hands together. "Help me God." She begged.
Ron raised an eyebrow and Harry shrugged.
Hermione said in the simplest voice, "The ministry pays and . muggle clothes." She pointed at Harry. "You of all people should know this Harry."
"But Hermione, we can't use the ministry's money for ever."
"Yes, you're right Ron." Said a voice behind them making the three friends jump. "Apparently you've been paid out a sum of about 2 million galleons."
"WOW!" Ron gaped, that was more money than he'd ever had in his life. Wouldn't Draco be mad when he found out, come to think of it, he probably already knows.
Hermione did some quick calculations then breathed, "Which is approximately 14 million euros ( or dollars, the exchange rate is almost exactly the same. ) Finally Ron found his voice, "Sorry Mrs Granger, do you know why we were paid so much? He asked.
Mrs Granger smiled, "In fact, that's why I came up, your mum's on the telephone and she want's to speak to you." Ron gulped and walked out the room following Hermione's mom to the phone.
~Telephone Conversation ~ (Okay, I'm doing this in dialogue form because it's easier to write and for you to follow.)
Ron: Hello?
Mrs Weasley: RON, are you okay and how's Harry, is everyone alright?
R: Yikes mom, slow down, we're all fine. So what's this news about us getting 2 million galleons?
M.W: Isn't it great! Turns out we had some valuable stuff in the house after all. And it's all thanks to your father and his muggle toys. We're staying at a ministry house along with Percy. Fred and George have gone to stay at Lee Jordan and Ginny is staying with her friend Nicoletta.
R: So mum, when will we be getting a new house and how are we going to buy new clothes?
M.W: Well your father and I are looking for one near the Granger's and the money will be transported, exchanged to the Grangers' house in half an hour but Ron, Pleeeeaze remember to get sensible clothes. *Ron rolls his eyes*
R: What about Harry?
M.W: *Mrs Weasley's voice gets excited* Apparently Harry's being paid out separately about 100 000 galleons. Isn't it exciting?
R: It's unbelievable not exciting. Whoever thought we'd get that much money? Imagine all the chocolate, caramel fudge sundaes.
M.W: Ronald Weasley, you are not to go wasting your money on food, among all things. It won't last for all eternity.
R: Okay mum, only joking!
M.W: Oh, I just remembered Hermione will be getting 1000 galleons as well. I have to get going now. Tell Harry I send my love.
R: Sure, see you mom. Bye.
M.W: Good Bye!
~End of Conversation~
Ron placed the phone back where he supposed it went. He walked back up the stairs in a trance and into Hermione's room.
"And?" she asked
"Your mum was right, we did get 2 million galleons. You got 1000 and Harry got 100 000."
Hermione squeked happily. "I wonder why I got so much. I only lost my trunk, some books, okay well maybe a lot of books and then a few clothes."
Harry looked shocked. "Ha, you wonder why you got so much, look at me! Now that's a fair question to ask in my case!"
"Oh Harry,
said Hermione, "Don't you remember you lost a firebolt and an invisibility cloak."
"Yeah and my dad's cloak too as well as Sirius's present." He said dubiously. "But they can't have been worth THAT much. "he interjected.
Ron added, "It's probably because you're the Harry Potter and all."
Harry glared at Ron. "I didn't ask for fame. You know I'd much rather not have this stupid scar on my head."
Seeing as Ron had only been joking, he was genuinely startled, "I didn't mean anything mate, sorry."
"So when do you think the money will arrive Ron?" asked Hermione not wanting to be in the middle of yet another fight between Harry and Ron.
"Mum said half an hour." Answered Ron, "so I think we'll just have to take off our cloaks and wear our "slightly" singed clothes."
"Well, you guys may have to stay in what you're wearing but I'm changing." Said Hermione huffily.
She whipped open her cupboard and snatched out a bundle of clothes. She walked into her adjoining bathroom and shut the door. Ron's face fell.
"Man, I thought she was gonna change in here!" Harry shook his head. While they waited they stripped off their cloaks and talked a bit about the new house. Ron and his family would be getting.
"You know," said Harry, "It's a good thing Hermione couldn't bring Crookshanks. "
Ron nodded, "Yeah, and we're also really lucky that Hedwig and Pig weren't in. Oh Harry, what happened to Skep? I thought he was supposed to protect you." Said Ron.
"I've got the vauge feeling he's somewhere off with Sirius." Replied Harry.
Ron looked a bit confused so Harry explained.
"When I sent Hedwig out to Sirius with the letter, Skep followed her."
Ron nodded his understanding just as Hermione walked out of the bathroom.
*************** Snape lay crumpled in a heap on the floor. His breathing was ragged and his eyes were watering. Voldemort had never put him under the Cruciatus Curse for so long. His body refused to move. His legs and arms shook uncontrollably. Not from shock although that did play a minor part, but rather from sheer exhaustion. Voldemort kicked him face up.
"Fool! I'm not an idiot. Did you really think I wouldn't find out?" his lips curled nastily. "Severus, I know you are a spy for the mud-blood loving crackpot Dumbeldore."
The death eaters around Voldemort gasped.
"How I did not see it at first I don't know. If I'm correct, you turned traitor 15 years ago. You were among my most highly trusted then you go and betray me. I had high hopes Severus, high hopes." Voldemort shook his head and pursed his lips.
"Lucius, throw him in the cell opposite Black." He said then added, "Let this be a warning to all of you. Betray me and suffer. Don't think you'll get of easily Severus. You and that other piece of trash are blackmail for Potter."
Lucius Malfoy stepped forward and grabbed Snape by the wrist pulling him up. Snape however had regained a bit of his strength and snatched his arm away from Malfoy.
"I'm eternally glad I don't have to kiss the feet of a half-blood cleptomaniac anymore Voldemort." Spat Snape, surprising himself with his own bravery, sure it was stupid but he might as well do it properly, like a Gryffindor. He glared at his 'once master' with utmost loathing.
Lucius was looking at Snape oddly. He had thought that perhaps for a second Snape had been forced on to the light side, but no, obviously he had been mistaken, not a proud thing for a Malfoy to admit. And another thing, tormenting the dark Lord when he was angry already, surely that was a straight way to hell or maybe Snape would be going to heaven, Lucius had no idea.
Voldemort's eyes glimmered in fury. Never had anyone other than the Potter boy talked to him like that and in the face of certain death.
"You laugh at pain Severus, very well, let's see how long you'll laugh shall we?"
Voldemort pointed his wand at Snape and hissed, "Crucio!"
This time Snape did not yell, he began muttering senseless words. Voldemort chortled gleefully having once again got his own back or so he thought.
"You may continue Malfoy." He said retracting his wand.
Snape was led off the the dungeons or wherever is prison cell would be.
Lucius roughly chucked Snape in and locked the wrought iron gate. He made to walk off. He stopped and turning around said, "I'm dumbstruck Severus, what will my son think?"
Snape's brow creased in to a horrible scowl. "I couldn't care less what that little shit thinks Malfoy, I only hope he is not as foolish as you."
Lucius did not look happy, "Draco will take your place Severus and an improvement he will make." With that he slammed the dungeon door placing numerous locking charms on it.
Snape pushed himself back against the cold, stone wall. He closed his eyes. He had failed Dumbeldore and so many others.
"God-damnit!" he swore in an effort of relieving his anger and mounting frustration.
In the cell next to Snape's, Sirius shot awake from a horrible nightmare.
"Who's there?" he asked.
Snape had forgotten that Voldemort had put him near Sirius. "Black, is that you?"
Sirius gasped, "Snape what the hell are you doing in there?"
Snape despite his predicament snapped, "I'm playing Quidditch! What does it look like?"
Sirius snorted, "You play Quidditch, ha, leave that for James!"
An uneasy silence fell at the mention of James's name. Sirius felt his blood begin to heat up again.
"Did you forget to kiss all ten of your master's little toes goodnight? Yes," he said answering his own question, "that must be why you're in here."
Snape really wasn't in the mood for further sarcastic remarks. "Shut it Black! For your information, not that you need to know, I was a spy for Dumbeldore and Voldemort found out."
Sirius was not expecting this. "You were a spy: why aren't you dead?"
Snape rolled his eyes. "Still stupid even after all those years in Azkaban."
Sirius just glared so Snape continued. "Apparently we are black-mail for Potter."
Sirius paled even more, although it might have been the light. He knew Harry would be panic stricken and warned against doing anything but lately Harry had changed and Sirius wondered if he could think sensibly anymore.
Snape was going on about, "Potter this." and "Potter that."
Sirius regained his composure and said fiercely, "Shut up Snap, crackle, pop."
Snape reddened considerably at his old schoolboy nick name given to him by none other than the Marauders themselves.
Sirius jumped practically out of his skin as a soft ball popped in to his hair dragging along with it a sheen of silver material.
A/N: And that's another chapter done , Wheeew I'm tired of typing. I hope you all enjoyed the chapter, sorry to leave you on such a tense ending, but I thought I'd better stop, I mean this is 700 words more than I'd usually write, not that it's that long anyway. Thanks to everyone that reviewed. I didn't get as many reviews as I expected, but maybe I posted at the wrong time. Anyway, till next time, Bye!!!
P.S. . don't forget to Review, Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeez!!!!!
Thanks to Lesley who is my new Beta reader. I really needed it!