Disclaimer: All things Harry Potter belong to J.K. Rowling.
Thanks goes to Snapebbwlover for beta reading. I also owe my thanks to Estrilda for grammar beta reading for me.
The Gifts of Love
Chapter 11: Punishment and Torment
Severus had learned there was to be an attack on Hogsmeade but as he was not of the inner circle he was not informed of when. He told Dumbledore, but they kept the plans of having Hogsmeade weekends open but with more protection. Both Dumbledore and Severus wanted to desist all Hogsmeade plans but it would arouse too much suspicion at the unexplained cancellation.
Severus told Hermione of the future plans of attack, as he knew Hermione planned to visit Hogsmeade with her friends. She told him, she would be cautious. He knew she would but he also planned on following her while invisible for the day.
When the Hogsmeade weekend did arrive the student population was elated. All wished for a well deserved break.
Harry, Ron, Draco, Hermione, Ginny, Padma, and Luna ventured into Hogsmeade together. The boys were talking Quidditch along with Luna. Padma, Hermione and Ginny were discussing advanced charms. Everyone decided to split up, leaving Hermione and Ginny to go to Flourish and Blotts while the others went to Fred and George's joke shop, Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes, and Quidditch Supply store.
Hermione and Ginny browsed the books. Both were common visitors of the wonderful place. After a few minutes of looking around they each drifted to different sections. Hermione had drifted towards potions while Ginny was found in charms. They each had an idea and wanted to look further into it. Hermione was interested in making a potion to let Severus feel what she felt when they made love. Ginny was interested in a charm that would let only a lover see certain clothing underneath robes.
After fifteen minutes each witch found what she wanted and made her purchase.
Ginny had one more stop to make. "Hermione, I need to stop at the witches' boutique across the street," Ginny softly toned to Hermione.
Hermione's head snapped around and looked at her friend with surprise. But her _expression quickly changed to intrigue; perhaps she could find something for herself to tease Severus with. "Of course, Ginny, I'll come with you." They gave each other a knowing look and grinned.
As Hermione and Ginny started to cross the street a commotion was heard and both stopped in the middle and saw Death Eaters apparating into the center of the small town. Screams and evil laughter were mixed together. Hermione and Ginny watched in horror and they didn't notice the Death Eater that had already apparated near them and who was approaching fast.
Severus was aware immediately of what was happening. He watched as the unseen Death Eater approached Hermione and Ginny. He willed the invisibility charm off of himself and yelled, "Stupefy!"
The Death Eater fell face down into the dirt. Neither Hermione nor Ginny had time to react as Severus hugged them both tightly and apparated them to Hogwarts, into his own chambers.
Before Hermione or Ginny spoke, he was gone again back into Hogsmeade to help as much as he could but this time with the invisibility charm on.
Unknown to Severus a pair of silvery grey eyes had seen the first time he appeared and saved Hermione and Ginny.
---------
Lucius Malfoy crawled on his hands and knees and kissed the hem of the robe gracing Lord Voldemort. "Master," he whispered softly.
"Stand Lucius, tell me what you saw today," Voldemort hissed.
"I witnessed Snape saving a mudblood and friend when Jefferson was about to kill them both. Snape stunned him before he could follow through though."
Voldemort's red eyes flared in anger. "He will be punished for his betrayal."
----------
At Hogwarts in the Headmaster's office the Minister of Magic, Arthur Weasley, stood with Dumbledore, McGonagall, Severus and Remus.
"That was too close for comfort," Arthur murmured to his fellow Order members.
"Yes," Severus agreed sharply.
Severus had informed Remus and Dumbledore what he had done with Hermione and Ginny; they were still in his quarters safe. The attack had ended a few hours ago with few causalities. Two dead Aurors and a few more injured, although the injuries were not serious. No students were killed but a few were injured. The extra protection of Hogsmeade was a success to most, though the Aurors grieved for their fellow Aurors in death.
Before anything else was said Severus flinched and hissed. All present knew what that meant. Severus just nodded and left the office. Not all were aware of his apparation abilities and he wished for no one else to learn.
Severus went to his quarters, quickly grabbed his garb and looked to Hermione. She knew he had been called, he had spoken to her telepathically. Neither spoke but she approached him and kissed him on the lips tenderly before stepping back to watch him apparate to the location Voldemort had chosen.
----------
Dumbledore had looked to Remus. The other wizard knew of all the gifts Hermione and Severus shared. Remus knew Dumbledore could not leave with Arthur present so he understood what the Headmaster was asking. He made his way down to the dungeons and knocked on Severus' door, the door allowed the occupants inside a view of who had knocked on the door so he was let in quickly by Hermione and Ginny.
Ginny was also aware of what was about to take place. Hermione went to the bedroom followed by Remus and Ginny. Remus took the vial next to the bed and gave it to Hermione. After a few seconds the effects were visible, her eyes were cloudy but still had awareness in them. Her body was relaxed and heavy looking.
The night for them was just about to begin.
----------
Severus apparated fully covered in his Death Eater robes and mask. He noticed immediately he was the last one to arrive and the others were circling him with Voldemort and Lucius in the middle. Though Lucius, like a good trained dog, was behind his master to the right.
"Sssseverus," hissed Voldemort.
Severus knew his cover was blown just by the way his presence was made, his final decision was to have integrity. He shed his robes and through the mask to the ground, a disrespect and punishable by death among the Death Eaters. His face was impassive, he had no intention of showing his fear or worry for what was in store, knowing Hermione was to share in all curses and hexes he received.
Voldemort only hissed, the others kept silent for the fear of wrath that Voldemort was about to distribute to Severus. Lucius, behind Voldemort was brave enough to smirk at his fellow Death Eater's future.
"Severus you have betrayed me," Voldemort's eyes glared red.
"No, I came to my senses," Severus dared to sneer.
"Crucio!" Voldemort practically yelled in anger at his ex-supporter.
Severus willed himself not to make a sound but dropped to his knees and held his face tight showing no pain. [I am sorry, my love.] Severus telepathically said to Hermione before focusing his entire energy into not responding to the curse being thrown at him.
----------
Hermione whimpered as she lay in bed. Her body thrashed a bit, though Remus had put a small binding spell on her to keep her from hurting herself if she thrashed too much and fell off the bed. She mild sleeping draught and strong numbing potion she took was going to have very little effect on her that night. She knew the first instant Voldemort hit Severus with the Cruciatus curse. After several long moments she heard his voice in her head whispering sorry.
She knew he meant for having to let her share in his pain. After those words for some reason the pain was worse for her and she screamed.
What Severus did not know, since he was trying to deflect the curse more of its effects went to Hermione.
----------
Severus and Hermione both endured the curse for another ten minutes. Severus had eventually fallen to his hands, still on his knees. He allowed no other show of weakness as the pain raked through his body.
Eventually Voldemort tired of only punishing the traitor with the Cruciatus curse and ordered his Death Eaters to take turns beating him.
Severus was brutalized. But he knew at least his true love wasn't sharing this. He was punched and kicked repeatedly. He could feel their hatred of him with each vicious blow to his body. He felt his ribs breaking. Could feel the shattered bones grating against each other with the maggots' combined punishments.
As the third pair of Death Eaters took their turn, he felt a searing pain spike through his chest as a vicious kick from Avery sent one of his mangled ribs into his right lung. He could feel his own life's blood drowning him.
The next pair of lackeys went for his face first. Crabbe held him up as Goyle threw the punches. By the forth punch he felt his nose break with a sickening crunch. His eyes were swollen shut and he could feel blood trickling from his ears. A final blow from Goyle sent a knee buckling pain through him as he felt his jaw snap.
Crabbe let him fall and took his turn. He stomped on his side and kicked him in his lower back relentlessly. Severus could do nothing to protect himself. He felt an agonizing pain shoot through his abdomen as one of Crabbe's kicks hit its mark and ruptured something deep inside him.
Voldemort called off his Death Eaters. He turned to Lucius, who had watched everything, and said, "I believe is it your turn Lucius."
Lucius bowed before smiling and walking over to Severus. The beaten wizard was bleeding profusely from cuts already. His bruises had started to show but not the dark blue and black they would be in a few hours. He had been coughing up blood, he knew he had several broken ribs and difficulty breathing.
Finally it was Lucius' turn and he went for his hands. The physical pain of his hands being broken was nothing compared to the mental anguish of it. Lucius knew how much Severus prided himself on them. His hands were the one thing about himself that he was proud of. His hands could work magic and not the magic every wizard had but the magic of an artist creating something new and wondrous. His long, elegant fingers that could manipulate and coax a masterpiece out of nothing but a few leaves and oils.
He could feel each bone in his fingers and hands snap under Lucius' sadistic ministrations. Could feel the shattered fragments break through his mutilated flesh as Malfoy ground his hands into the stony earth with his heel.
He thanked Merlin and the god and goddess that Hermione could not feel this part of Voldemort's revenge.
Severus had no idea how long he was beaten, for but he knew his punishment was far from over. He just hoped that they would beat him to death so that his beautiful Mia would not suffer anymore because of him.
Of course he should have known better than that.
----------
Hermione had settled down for the past forty minutes. She knew something else was going on, since the curse had stopped she suspected he was being beaten. But she could not help in that sense, though she wished she could take half of his pain.
----------
Severus was lifted from the ground and hung from invisible shackles... it was a powerful spell used commonly among the torture of muggles and wizards. Severus was relieved the curses and hexes had stopped and he was beaten the muggle way. He knew it would be severe but Hermione would not have to continue to feel the pain he was subjected to.
"Crucio!" Voldemort yelled at Severus.
Fuck! Severus cursed knowing Hermione would feel the pain. He tried to keep silent but it was too much. Small groans of pain escaped his lips. Voldemort was pleased at the sounds of pain, but the torture had just started.
----------
Hermione had suffered through the Cruciatus but knew he was being beaten again, she could not feel the pain from the beatings but she could feel the pain of his heart.
Hermione watched as Remus and Ginny looked on nervously. She noticed Draco had joined them during her latest torture session. He was keeping a vigilant eye on her and was sitting on the bed next to her keeping her cool with hand cloth and water. Hermione was grateful for the effort; though it relieved no pain the friendship was enough. She knew he was worried about his mentor as she was about her lover.
----------
After another bout of Cruciatus, Severus was beaten again by the Death Eaters, though this time only the original few had the opportunity to do so. Voldemort wanted to reward them for staying true to the cause. Lucius was given special privileges again but this time he had a surprise for Severus.
"Cruor accendo cor cordis conglacio!" Lucius threw the rare curse at Severus.
Severus' body arched harshly, his veins seemed to almost pop out around his neck and temples. He groaned with pain but refused to show more. His body was burning from the inside out. His veins were on fire... his blood was boiling. Severus knew what was to come. His heart was turning to ice. It was pumping freezing blood against the boiling causing pain almost as horrendous as the Cruciatus.
Finally he screamed out an horrific cry. In his battered and weakened state he knew he could not hold back any longer. He prayed for death to take him soon for Hermione's sake as well as his own.
Lucius held the curse on longer then he would for anyone else, his hatred was fueling the curse. Voldemort and the other Death Eaters were grinning evilly at the pain Severus was going through.
Severus knew the curse well, he had developed the curse for the himself and Lucius to use during tortures. When he had first joined Voldemort and was trying to prove himself worthy. He should have known Lucius would use it on him. Gods, he thought, he was such a fool. He deserved this, but his poor beloved did not. He was responsible for this and he could never forgive himself.
Lucius reluctantly withdrew when Voldemort called him off. Severus knew he wanted the final blow for his self.
----------
Hermione couldn't believe what was happening to her and Severus. The curse, even though they each were only sharing half of the pain, was inhuman. She had started to scream from the pain but it didn't fall onto the ears of her companions, she had wanted a silencing charm on her knowing it would be of no use for them to hear her go through this. They could see what she was going through and that was bad enough.
----------
"Crucio!" Voldemort issued once again.
Severus didn't even try to keep the moans and groans of pain silent. It would just continue to make it worse and the torture last longer, he did not want Hermione to keep having to go through this. His will finally gave out on him and he screamed a mighty roar in pain but that was it.
As the curse continued Severus realized what Voldemort planned for him.
He could feel it already.
More minutes of pain ripped through his body. As his mind was lost within himself.
Voldemort held the curse for a little longer knowing his traitor had lost his mind. When he released the painful spell the men cheered as they watched the body of Severus Snape fall to the ground in a heap. "Let this be a lesson to all who think of the idea of betrayal."
The other Death Eaters froze in place and glanced at Severus, whose body was still convulsing from the after effects of the Cruciatus and all the other torture he had been through.
----------
"MADAM POMFREY!" Remus yelled into the fireplace floo.
Within seconds the mediwitch appeared and ran to her newest patient.
Draco, Ginny and Remus stood back and watch her work. They were frantic with worry.
They had watched Hermione suffering the effects of the Cruciatus curse but before long then they noticed her eyes, they had lost focus, like they didn't belong to Hermione anymore. Remus feared he knew what happened. When the curse ended, they each tried to call to Hermione but knew within seconds she was no longer herself.
Hermione had fallen into a coma from the Cruciatus curse.
---------
The Death Eaters left, leaving only Voldemort and Lucius.
"So Lucius, what shall we do with this cretin?" Voldemort hissed.
"I have a suggestion my master," Lucius held his head low, he had to hide the smirk that was on his face.
"Yes?" Voldemort waited.
"I will apparate his body to the gates of Hogwarts as a message to that old fool," Lucius grinned evilly.
Voldemort was silent for a moment then his non-existent lips smiled evilly. "Do it." And with that Voldemort disapparated.
Lucius took hold of the broken man and apparated to the main gate of Hogwarts.
----------
Dumbledore and McGonagall were waiting for sign of Severus, they were aware of what was happening in his quarters and of Hermione's coma. They prayed Severus would remain conscious.
Suddenly the wards around the castle ground sent an alarm to Dumbledore. He and Minerva rushed to the gates. They quickly brought him within the grounds and immediately began to help him. They stripped his clothes and started healing spells. Both knew advanced medical spells and hoped they could help him. They knew instantly Severus had lost his mind but they would have to deal with that later, they wished to stop the bleeding and make his breathing easier. When they finally had him stable enough Albus cast a mobilicorpus on him and rushed him to his chambers where Poppy and the others were waiting a anxiously. Poppy did what she could for Severus but there just wasn't much that could be done. His body was healing and would be all right but his mind was gone.
----------
Later that night, Severus and Hermione lay together in Severus' bed. The others stood around the bed and looked at the couple with sorrow and disbelief. Severus looked better, though still bruised and battered it wasn't as badly as before. Ginny had tears in her eyes and letting them fall down her cheeks. Remus put his arm around her to comfort her as much as possible. Draco was used to holding such active emotions in and so he did. Remus allowed only single tears to escape but they stopped quickly; he wished to be strong for his love. McGonagall's eyes were watery but not leaking. Dumbledore looked older than ever before... and his twinkle still had yet to return.
Everyone was silent but eventually Remus pulled Ginny and Draco to leave. They left with no word being spoken. McGonagall looked to Dumbledore and they too left silently.
----------
To be continued...
Thanks goes to Snapebbwlover for beta reading. I also owe my thanks to Estrilda for grammar beta reading for me.
The Gifts of Love
Chapter 11: Punishment and Torment
Severus had learned there was to be an attack on Hogsmeade but as he was not of the inner circle he was not informed of when. He told Dumbledore, but they kept the plans of having Hogsmeade weekends open but with more protection. Both Dumbledore and Severus wanted to desist all Hogsmeade plans but it would arouse too much suspicion at the unexplained cancellation.
Severus told Hermione of the future plans of attack, as he knew Hermione planned to visit Hogsmeade with her friends. She told him, she would be cautious. He knew she would but he also planned on following her while invisible for the day.
When the Hogsmeade weekend did arrive the student population was elated. All wished for a well deserved break.
Harry, Ron, Draco, Hermione, Ginny, Padma, and Luna ventured into Hogsmeade together. The boys were talking Quidditch along with Luna. Padma, Hermione and Ginny were discussing advanced charms. Everyone decided to split up, leaving Hermione and Ginny to go to Flourish and Blotts while the others went to Fred and George's joke shop, Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes, and Quidditch Supply store.
Hermione and Ginny browsed the books. Both were common visitors of the wonderful place. After a few minutes of looking around they each drifted to different sections. Hermione had drifted towards potions while Ginny was found in charms. They each had an idea and wanted to look further into it. Hermione was interested in making a potion to let Severus feel what she felt when they made love. Ginny was interested in a charm that would let only a lover see certain clothing underneath robes.
After fifteen minutes each witch found what she wanted and made her purchase.
Ginny had one more stop to make. "Hermione, I need to stop at the witches' boutique across the street," Ginny softly toned to Hermione.
Hermione's head snapped around and looked at her friend with surprise. But her _expression quickly changed to intrigue; perhaps she could find something for herself to tease Severus with. "Of course, Ginny, I'll come with you." They gave each other a knowing look and grinned.
As Hermione and Ginny started to cross the street a commotion was heard and both stopped in the middle and saw Death Eaters apparating into the center of the small town. Screams and evil laughter were mixed together. Hermione and Ginny watched in horror and they didn't notice the Death Eater that had already apparated near them and who was approaching fast.
Severus was aware immediately of what was happening. He watched as the unseen Death Eater approached Hermione and Ginny. He willed the invisibility charm off of himself and yelled, "Stupefy!"
The Death Eater fell face down into the dirt. Neither Hermione nor Ginny had time to react as Severus hugged them both tightly and apparated them to Hogwarts, into his own chambers.
Before Hermione or Ginny spoke, he was gone again back into Hogsmeade to help as much as he could but this time with the invisibility charm on.
Unknown to Severus a pair of silvery grey eyes had seen the first time he appeared and saved Hermione and Ginny.
---------
Lucius Malfoy crawled on his hands and knees and kissed the hem of the robe gracing Lord Voldemort. "Master," he whispered softly.
"Stand Lucius, tell me what you saw today," Voldemort hissed.
"I witnessed Snape saving a mudblood and friend when Jefferson was about to kill them both. Snape stunned him before he could follow through though."
Voldemort's red eyes flared in anger. "He will be punished for his betrayal."
----------
At Hogwarts in the Headmaster's office the Minister of Magic, Arthur Weasley, stood with Dumbledore, McGonagall, Severus and Remus.
"That was too close for comfort," Arthur murmured to his fellow Order members.
"Yes," Severus agreed sharply.
Severus had informed Remus and Dumbledore what he had done with Hermione and Ginny; they were still in his quarters safe. The attack had ended a few hours ago with few causalities. Two dead Aurors and a few more injured, although the injuries were not serious. No students were killed but a few were injured. The extra protection of Hogsmeade was a success to most, though the Aurors grieved for their fellow Aurors in death.
Before anything else was said Severus flinched and hissed. All present knew what that meant. Severus just nodded and left the office. Not all were aware of his apparation abilities and he wished for no one else to learn.
Severus went to his quarters, quickly grabbed his garb and looked to Hermione. She knew he had been called, he had spoken to her telepathically. Neither spoke but she approached him and kissed him on the lips tenderly before stepping back to watch him apparate to the location Voldemort had chosen.
----------
Dumbledore had looked to Remus. The other wizard knew of all the gifts Hermione and Severus shared. Remus knew Dumbledore could not leave with Arthur present so he understood what the Headmaster was asking. He made his way down to the dungeons and knocked on Severus' door, the door allowed the occupants inside a view of who had knocked on the door so he was let in quickly by Hermione and Ginny.
Ginny was also aware of what was about to take place. Hermione went to the bedroom followed by Remus and Ginny. Remus took the vial next to the bed and gave it to Hermione. After a few seconds the effects were visible, her eyes were cloudy but still had awareness in them. Her body was relaxed and heavy looking.
The night for them was just about to begin.
----------
Severus apparated fully covered in his Death Eater robes and mask. He noticed immediately he was the last one to arrive and the others were circling him with Voldemort and Lucius in the middle. Though Lucius, like a good trained dog, was behind his master to the right.
"Sssseverus," hissed Voldemort.
Severus knew his cover was blown just by the way his presence was made, his final decision was to have integrity. He shed his robes and through the mask to the ground, a disrespect and punishable by death among the Death Eaters. His face was impassive, he had no intention of showing his fear or worry for what was in store, knowing Hermione was to share in all curses and hexes he received.
Voldemort only hissed, the others kept silent for the fear of wrath that Voldemort was about to distribute to Severus. Lucius, behind Voldemort was brave enough to smirk at his fellow Death Eater's future.
"Severus you have betrayed me," Voldemort's eyes glared red.
"No, I came to my senses," Severus dared to sneer.
"Crucio!" Voldemort practically yelled in anger at his ex-supporter.
Severus willed himself not to make a sound but dropped to his knees and held his face tight showing no pain. [I am sorry, my love.] Severus telepathically said to Hermione before focusing his entire energy into not responding to the curse being thrown at him.
----------
Hermione whimpered as she lay in bed. Her body thrashed a bit, though Remus had put a small binding spell on her to keep her from hurting herself if she thrashed too much and fell off the bed. She mild sleeping draught and strong numbing potion she took was going to have very little effect on her that night. She knew the first instant Voldemort hit Severus with the Cruciatus curse. After several long moments she heard his voice in her head whispering sorry.
She knew he meant for having to let her share in his pain. After those words for some reason the pain was worse for her and she screamed.
What Severus did not know, since he was trying to deflect the curse more of its effects went to Hermione.
----------
Severus and Hermione both endured the curse for another ten minutes. Severus had eventually fallen to his hands, still on his knees. He allowed no other show of weakness as the pain raked through his body.
Eventually Voldemort tired of only punishing the traitor with the Cruciatus curse and ordered his Death Eaters to take turns beating him.
Severus was brutalized. But he knew at least his true love wasn't sharing this. He was punched and kicked repeatedly. He could feel their hatred of him with each vicious blow to his body. He felt his ribs breaking. Could feel the shattered bones grating against each other with the maggots' combined punishments.
As the third pair of Death Eaters took their turn, he felt a searing pain spike through his chest as a vicious kick from Avery sent one of his mangled ribs into his right lung. He could feel his own life's blood drowning him.
The next pair of lackeys went for his face first. Crabbe held him up as Goyle threw the punches. By the forth punch he felt his nose break with a sickening crunch. His eyes were swollen shut and he could feel blood trickling from his ears. A final blow from Goyle sent a knee buckling pain through him as he felt his jaw snap.
Crabbe let him fall and took his turn. He stomped on his side and kicked him in his lower back relentlessly. Severus could do nothing to protect himself. He felt an agonizing pain shoot through his abdomen as one of Crabbe's kicks hit its mark and ruptured something deep inside him.
Voldemort called off his Death Eaters. He turned to Lucius, who had watched everything, and said, "I believe is it your turn Lucius."
Lucius bowed before smiling and walking over to Severus. The beaten wizard was bleeding profusely from cuts already. His bruises had started to show but not the dark blue and black they would be in a few hours. He had been coughing up blood, he knew he had several broken ribs and difficulty breathing.
Finally it was Lucius' turn and he went for his hands. The physical pain of his hands being broken was nothing compared to the mental anguish of it. Lucius knew how much Severus prided himself on them. His hands were the one thing about himself that he was proud of. His hands could work magic and not the magic every wizard had but the magic of an artist creating something new and wondrous. His long, elegant fingers that could manipulate and coax a masterpiece out of nothing but a few leaves and oils.
He could feel each bone in his fingers and hands snap under Lucius' sadistic ministrations. Could feel the shattered fragments break through his mutilated flesh as Malfoy ground his hands into the stony earth with his heel.
He thanked Merlin and the god and goddess that Hermione could not feel this part of Voldemort's revenge.
Severus had no idea how long he was beaten, for but he knew his punishment was far from over. He just hoped that they would beat him to death so that his beautiful Mia would not suffer anymore because of him.
Of course he should have known better than that.
----------
Hermione had settled down for the past forty minutes. She knew something else was going on, since the curse had stopped she suspected he was being beaten. But she could not help in that sense, though she wished she could take half of his pain.
----------
Severus was lifted from the ground and hung from invisible shackles... it was a powerful spell used commonly among the torture of muggles and wizards. Severus was relieved the curses and hexes had stopped and he was beaten the muggle way. He knew it would be severe but Hermione would not have to continue to feel the pain he was subjected to.
"Crucio!" Voldemort yelled at Severus.
Fuck! Severus cursed knowing Hermione would feel the pain. He tried to keep silent but it was too much. Small groans of pain escaped his lips. Voldemort was pleased at the sounds of pain, but the torture had just started.
----------
Hermione had suffered through the Cruciatus but knew he was being beaten again, she could not feel the pain from the beatings but she could feel the pain of his heart.
Hermione watched as Remus and Ginny looked on nervously. She noticed Draco had joined them during her latest torture session. He was keeping a vigilant eye on her and was sitting on the bed next to her keeping her cool with hand cloth and water. Hermione was grateful for the effort; though it relieved no pain the friendship was enough. She knew he was worried about his mentor as she was about her lover.
----------
After another bout of Cruciatus, Severus was beaten again by the Death Eaters, though this time only the original few had the opportunity to do so. Voldemort wanted to reward them for staying true to the cause. Lucius was given special privileges again but this time he had a surprise for Severus.
"Cruor accendo cor cordis conglacio!" Lucius threw the rare curse at Severus.
Severus' body arched harshly, his veins seemed to almost pop out around his neck and temples. He groaned with pain but refused to show more. His body was burning from the inside out. His veins were on fire... his blood was boiling. Severus knew what was to come. His heart was turning to ice. It was pumping freezing blood against the boiling causing pain almost as horrendous as the Cruciatus.
Finally he screamed out an horrific cry. In his battered and weakened state he knew he could not hold back any longer. He prayed for death to take him soon for Hermione's sake as well as his own.
Lucius held the curse on longer then he would for anyone else, his hatred was fueling the curse. Voldemort and the other Death Eaters were grinning evilly at the pain Severus was going through.
Severus knew the curse well, he had developed the curse for the himself and Lucius to use during tortures. When he had first joined Voldemort and was trying to prove himself worthy. He should have known Lucius would use it on him. Gods, he thought, he was such a fool. He deserved this, but his poor beloved did not. He was responsible for this and he could never forgive himself.
Lucius reluctantly withdrew when Voldemort called him off. Severus knew he wanted the final blow for his self.
----------
Hermione couldn't believe what was happening to her and Severus. The curse, even though they each were only sharing half of the pain, was inhuman. She had started to scream from the pain but it didn't fall onto the ears of her companions, she had wanted a silencing charm on her knowing it would be of no use for them to hear her go through this. They could see what she was going through and that was bad enough.
----------
"Crucio!" Voldemort issued once again.
Severus didn't even try to keep the moans and groans of pain silent. It would just continue to make it worse and the torture last longer, he did not want Hermione to keep having to go through this. His will finally gave out on him and he screamed a mighty roar in pain but that was it.
As the curse continued Severus realized what Voldemort planned for him.
He could feel it already.
More minutes of pain ripped through his body. As his mind was lost within himself.
Voldemort held the curse for a little longer knowing his traitor had lost his mind. When he released the painful spell the men cheered as they watched the body of Severus Snape fall to the ground in a heap. "Let this be a lesson to all who think of the idea of betrayal."
The other Death Eaters froze in place and glanced at Severus, whose body was still convulsing from the after effects of the Cruciatus and all the other torture he had been through.
----------
"MADAM POMFREY!" Remus yelled into the fireplace floo.
Within seconds the mediwitch appeared and ran to her newest patient.
Draco, Ginny and Remus stood back and watch her work. They were frantic with worry.
They had watched Hermione suffering the effects of the Cruciatus curse but before long then they noticed her eyes, they had lost focus, like they didn't belong to Hermione anymore. Remus feared he knew what happened. When the curse ended, they each tried to call to Hermione but knew within seconds she was no longer herself.
Hermione had fallen into a coma from the Cruciatus curse.
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The Death Eaters left, leaving only Voldemort and Lucius.
"So Lucius, what shall we do with this cretin?" Voldemort hissed.
"I have a suggestion my master," Lucius held his head low, he had to hide the smirk that was on his face.
"Yes?" Voldemort waited.
"I will apparate his body to the gates of Hogwarts as a message to that old fool," Lucius grinned evilly.
Voldemort was silent for a moment then his non-existent lips smiled evilly. "Do it." And with that Voldemort disapparated.
Lucius took hold of the broken man and apparated to the main gate of Hogwarts.
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Dumbledore and McGonagall were waiting for sign of Severus, they were aware of what was happening in his quarters and of Hermione's coma. They prayed Severus would remain conscious.
Suddenly the wards around the castle ground sent an alarm to Dumbledore. He and Minerva rushed to the gates. They quickly brought him within the grounds and immediately began to help him. They stripped his clothes and started healing spells. Both knew advanced medical spells and hoped they could help him. They knew instantly Severus had lost his mind but they would have to deal with that later, they wished to stop the bleeding and make his breathing easier. When they finally had him stable enough Albus cast a mobilicorpus on him and rushed him to his chambers where Poppy and the others were waiting a anxiously. Poppy did what she could for Severus but there just wasn't much that could be done. His body was healing and would be all right but his mind was gone.
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Later that night, Severus and Hermione lay together in Severus' bed. The others stood around the bed and looked at the couple with sorrow and disbelief. Severus looked better, though still bruised and battered it wasn't as badly as before. Ginny had tears in her eyes and letting them fall down her cheeks. Remus put his arm around her to comfort her as much as possible. Draco was used to holding such active emotions in and so he did. Remus allowed only single tears to escape but they stopped quickly; he wished to be strong for his love. McGonagall's eyes were watery but not leaking. Dumbledore looked older than ever before... and his twinkle still had yet to return.
Everyone was silent but eventually Remus pulled Ginny and Draco to leave. They left with no word being spoken. McGonagall looked to Dumbledore and they too left silently.
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To be continued...