*earlier that evening*

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Severus was grading seventh-year papers when his left arm flared with the all too familiar pain of the Dark Mark activating. Grimacing, he struggled to his feet, automatically going to the locked cupboard where he kept his Death Eater robes and mask. Suddenly, the voice of Voldemort seared across his mind through the link of the Dark Mark.

The sibilant voice was disgustingly conversational, "Good evening, Severus, I trust I find you well? There will be a Revel tonight at the Malfoy Manor, and you have the honor of acquiring the entertainment for our little get-together. Bring Potter's mudblood friend. We can make use of her."

Voldemort's mad laugh crawled through his head, "Since I have no doubt that that old fool of a Headmaster will be reluctant to part with one of his precious students, you are granted an extra hour to persuade him. Do not be late."

The Dark Lord cackled and withdrew, leaving Severus feeling nauseous. Mechanically, he shrank the robe and mask and dropped them into his pocket. He had left his office and was halfway down the hall to Dumbledore's before he'd realized it.

'I can't do this . . .'

Numbly, he ascended the stairs outside the Headmaster's office and knocked on the office door. He heard Dumbledore call "Enter!" and pushed the door open.

Albus was seated behind his desk, and he looked up from his papers with a smile to greet Severus. The smile faded however as he saw the look on his Potions Master's face. "Voldemort?" Dumbledore asked simply.

Severus sank down into the plush chair in front of Dumbledore's desk, rubbing his left arm absently, "I have an hour before I must Apparate."

Dumbledore's white brow furrowed in confusion, "He's never done that before."

"He believes I will need it to convince you to allow me to bring tonight's . . . entertainment," he bit out the word, "I've been directed to bring Hermione Granger."

To Dumbledore's credit, the only outward sign of his shock was a slight widening of his blue eyes. He asked, "What do you propose we do?"

Severus gave a small snort of humorless laughter, "My options are rather limited, Albus. I can either go to him and be killed for failing to follow orders as he made abjectly clear would happen, or I can ignore the summons and let the Mark drive me mad."

"You do have a third option, Severus," Dumbledore said, softly. Snape looked up in confusion before he realized what Dumbledore meant. "No, Albus!" he snapped, "How can you even suggest it? I won't do it."

"I do not relish the idea of losing you, Severus. I am not condoning this, but it is our only option that does not result in your death . . ."

"Better that I die than . . ."

"Severus, damn it, listen to me and think for a moment! If Voldemort wishes you to convince me to let Miss Granger go, then he will not kill her or injure her in any obvious manner. Since you will be there, you will have some measure of control over what does happen to her."

Severus ran an hand over his face and shook his head, "Albus, there has got to be another way . . ." He was interrupted by the sound of the door being flung open, and he twisted around in his chair in time to see Harry, Hermione and Ron stop dead at the sight of him.

"Harry," Dumbledore asked, "what is it?"

The sound of the Headmaster's voice startled Harry out of his shock at seeing Snape and he turned to Dumbledore, "Professor, I think Voldemort is planning something."

"Indeed?" Dumbledore gestured for the three of them to sit down. They did so, sitting as far away from Snape as they could. Harry said, "Yes, sir. We were in the Gryffindor common room and my scar started burning. I got the feeling Voldemort was very pleased about something that was going to happen tonight."

"I am not surprised, Harry," Dumbledore said quietly, "You see, Professor Snape and I were just discussing the very same thing."

"Albus . . ." Severus started warningly and Dumbledore silenced him with a look. "They have a right to know, Severus," he said sharply, "Miss Granger in particular." Snape subsided resentfully and Dumbledore looked back to the three Gryffindors, "It is my belief that the three of you deserve to know of this because it concerns one of you."

He paused, "Professor Snape has been summoned by Voldemort tonight and he has been directed to supply entertainment for the Death Eaters. Voldemort specifically ordered him to bring you, Miss Granger."

The three students gave identical gasps of shock as Dumbledore went on, "I believe that Voldemort would not kill you, nor would he have you overtly harmed since he would not want me to suspect Severus of still being in his services."

Hermione raised her hand tentatively and Severus gave a soft snort of amusement. 'Here we are talking about God knows what happening to her, and she still behaves as if she's in class.' Albus looked sharply at him before acknowledging her, "Yes, Miss Granger?"

"Professor Snape, if you ignore the summons, what will happen?"

'Why do you care what happens to me?' He said, bluntly, "The Mark will either drive me mad with pain and then kill me or render me as good as dead." She was silent for a moment, thinking hard. Finally, she nodded resolutely and took a steadying breath, "I'll do it."

There was a sudden burst of noise as Ron and Harry both gave identical cries of dismay. "'Mione, you can't!" Ron burst out, horrified.

"And why can't I?" she asked pointedly, "I'm eighteen, I can make my own decisions." She glanced quickly at Snape who was trying desperately not to allow any of the maelstrom of emotions rippling through him to show on his face. She looked back at Dumbledore and said firmly, "I'll do it, Professor."

'Damned, foolhardy, stubborn Gryffindor bravery. Why is she doing this? Why should she care whether the Mark kills me or not?'

"Very well, Hermione," Dumbledore said, suddenly looking very, very old. He stood and the rest of them followed suit. Harry pleaded with her, "'Mione, think about what you're doing."

"Harry, you're always doing what you have to in order to stop Voldemort." She glanced at Snape, "Now it is my turn to do what I can to ensure we don't lose one of our best hopes for winning this war."

Harry seemed unable to think of anything to say, and indeed, Snape was speechless as well though he tried not to show it. He gave himself a mental shake and held out a hand to her, "Miss Granger, if you would come with me."

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AN: I hope everyone's enjoying it so far. Next chapter will be the Dark Revel.