Hermione spent the evening in her room, sitting in an armchair trying to read. Her free hand rested on her wand that was lying next to her. Nimbly had retired to the basement where he had been staying for the last few months. Hermione had gone down there earlier to find a neat little corner with bed and washbasin set up. It pleased her greatly to see that at least the elf was comfortable. She sighed heavily as she closed the book. She could not concentrate. The thought occurred to her that maybe she should write to Harry, and let him know what was going on. Hermione found some parchment and ink but sat thinking about what there was to say. Maybe that she was falling for Snape? She knew there was really nothing to tell Harry that he would want to hear so she abandoned the idea and climbed into bed. Sleep eventually found her.
* * * * * * * *
"Severus so glad that you could join us tonight," one of the deatheaters remarked.
Snape shot him a cold look but kept quiet knowing that Goyle was only looking for a fight. Most of them had not been to impressed with Lucius Malfoy been locked away for months on end as punishment for hurting Hermione. They agreed with Malfoy that she was merely a mudblood, why should she be spared? Then again most did not realise what role she was still to play. Most of the wizards present were only interested in power, especially now that Voldemort had risen again.
A hush fell through the room, as Voldemort entered with Wormtail slipping in behind his master.
"I see we have a full house tonight," said Voldemort his eyes darting around the room.
He whispered something to Wormtail who quickly left.
"As you might be aware we lost one of our members not so long ago, Opruim-" the room tensed slightly.
"He seemed fit to warn someone at Hogwarts of our coming," Voldemort's eyes were now on Snape. He had his head bowed like the others could feel the piercing stare.
"Alas he is dead, a reminder to you all when you think you can betray me,"
Wormtail entered the room again; bringing a filthy figure after him, who was bound with chains.
"Ah Lucius, I trust that these last months for you have been one's of thought, that not telling me of your activities can bring great consequences," Voldemort said turning his attention to the crouch figure.
Snape vaguely heard a 'yes master'. His inner self could not help smiling. Lucius was finally getting what he deserved.
"Very well, I will reinstate you, fortunately your son has turned into quite an asset at Hogwarts, is that not so Severus?"
"Yes Master, the headmaster has not been well for sometime now and your attack on the school successful except for finding the girl, Master," Snape tried to sound regretful.
Voldemort nodded but said nothing more on the matter. Lucius was handed clean robes and told to go wash before coming into his presence again.
What was still not clear is what was still going to happen that night. During updates from each Deatheater, Voldemort received a message. His brow crossed with anger, his bid the messenger goodnight. Uneasiness grew in the room again. Lucius had rejoined them looking pale and thin. His once long hair looked bleak and dull.
"Lucius, it seems your son missed his arranged meeting this evening, perhaps Hogwart's teachers are keeping a close watch on him?" Voldemort looked from Lucius to Severus.
"Yes Master, there are only two other students at Hogwarts at this time, so the teachers are around them at all times," Severus explained. Voldemort looked at him clearly disapproving of the comment.
"Tell your son that he must pick a student to bring to me, before the others return from the Holidays, with Dumbledore ill, we should start recruiting," Voldemort said to Lucius.
In the back of his mind Severus was relieved. At least Hermione was safe for now. Then if occurred to him that Voldemort had not asked where Hermione was. The meeting continued without any further questions to Severus. Voldemort outlined his recruitment campaign; they were all to gather any wizards who were willing or not so willing.
Eventually everyone was dismissed except Severus and Lucius. Both were knelt before their master
"Severus, where is the girl staying?" Voldemort asked his voice cold and malicious.
"Dumbledore has her hidden in an undisclosed place, out of the country I believe," Snape lied. Voldemort nodded in thought.
Lucius looked at Severus through the veil of his hair. Snape saw the distrust lurking in Lucius eyes, the anger that had welled up over the last months. He would have to be very careful now that Lucius had returned.
Draco slept better than he had in ages that night. The following morning at breakfast he received an owl. Mark who had now recovered had joined him at the table. Draco quickly excused himself to go read the letter in private. Draco recognised his father's hand writing immediately. He felt dread creeping into his fingers as he broke the seal.
* * * * * * * *
Snape found Hermione in the kitchen looking tired. She had not touched her coffee or toast but merely sat there staring into nowhere.
"I am back," he announced as walked into the kitchen. Hermione jumped out of her seat and hugged him. Relief flooded to her face. She didn't even mind getting floo powder all over herself. Nimbly quickly started to make Severus an omelette and soon they were both eating breakfast as if it was a normal day. After Snape had finished, he told Hermione what had happened the previous evening.
"The good news, is he is not searching for you," Snape concluded. Hermione nodded.
"But I need to be careful, he will have spies out, wont he?" she pointed out.
"Yes, but not so much in muggle London, Diagon alley for instance is out of bounds,"
Snape agreed.
* * * * * * * *
Mark and Draco spent the day on the Quidditch pitch practicing manoeuvres. Draco still had no idea that Mark was on the team. Mark thought about telling him but changed his mind, thinking that Draco might turn against him. Besides he could just imagine the surprised look on his face at the first Quidditch game of the season. Draco's mind however was on his father's words.
* * * * * * * * *
It was getting dark outside and Snape began to look anxious. It was Christmas Eve the following day. Would Voldemort even take this into consideration? Snape could only hope. He did not want to leave Hermione alone. He even considered taking her to the Weasley's but soon thought different of that. Harry was with them and perhaps Hermione would realise that she was too young for him that is for Severus Snape.
In the kitchen Hermione was trying to convince Nimbly to take Christmas off but the elf was not convinced. He thought that Hermione was trying to get rid of him, that she did not like his cooking. Eventually she gave up, although rather relieved that she did not have to try her hand at cooking. She found Severus pacing up and down in front of the crackling fireplace. She had to smile. He looked terribly serious, almost like he was at school.
"Will you be going again tonight?" She asked. Severus shook his head.
"I don't think so, but I am worried about tomorrow," he looked at her carefully trying to gauge her reaction, but Hermione merely nodded. She knew in her heart that she would be spending Christmas Eve curled up by the fire with a book. Severus would be off doing the terrible work of Voldemort. That she had to accept.
"Have you done your homework yet?" Snape asked in his Professor tone.
Hermione gave a sharp look and he knew it was a silly question to ask. She had caught up everything that she had missed and more. With the O.W.L.S coming up she was studying more than usual. Snape sat down next to her on the couch and put his hand over hers. It was his way of saying sorry and she understood. She put her head against his chest, while he stroked her hair; they stayed like that till late into the night.