Disclaimer: Harry Potter is not mine. Anything you recognize from JK Rowling's books is not mine. Anything you don't recognize is either mine or a typical fanfiction plot device. The Call of the Blood and the concepts associated with it – as a package, not as individual elements - are my creations, not the creations of JK Rowling – please email me if you wish to use them or a derivative of them in a story.
Partly inspired by the Marriage Law Challenge on WIKTT. See Chapter 1 for full disclaimer. Author's Notes at the end.
Warning:This fic is SS/HG and includes character death, descriptions of abuse, and adult situations.
Cloak of Courage
WendyNat
Chapter 25
--------
The young blond man screamed.
Again.
Of course, the screams were quieter now. At first, they had been full-bodied, frenzied… cutting through the ear like a knife through raw flesh. Now, the knife had lost some of its shine… but none of its effectiveness. The screams were now hoarse and lower pitched, but still effective. Perhaps even more effective now.
Those of the Inner Circle stood unmoving, watching the younger Malfoy writhing on the ground, his hands – both the bandaged and unbandaged – clenching into fists before the fingers splayed out in supplication… again and again. Outside of the Inner Circle, the congregation of Death Eaters shifted uncomfortably… turning to look at a neighbor for a moment before their gazes were drawn back to the source of the cries.
Except for one.
Standing unnaturally still, a tall black-eyed Death Eater stared at Malfoy. The tension in his form was palpable, and Severus could see that both of the man's hands were clenched into tight fists. Suddenly the man's head turned, and black eyes met black eyes.
Viktor Krum.
Intriguing, Severus thought. Such anger… but is the anger for, or against, Malfoy? Severus' eyes narrowed and he prepared himself to delve into Krum's mind, but the younger man turned his eyes back to the scene before Severus could try to uncover the truth.
Finally, the Dark Lord lowered his wand and spoke. "Let this be a lesson to all. The Call asks to be fed. It is strong." There was a murmured agreement among the congregation. The Dark Lord's eyes blazed. "But what must be stronger is your loyalty to your brothers. You are bound together, through me, for one purpose. Do not let your insignificant personal pursuits get in the way of that purpose. Or you will suffer my wrath."
"Yes, my Lord," the group said as one. Even Draco, his body shuddering, managed to speak the required words.
With an imperious gesture, the Dark Lord beckoned Pettigrew forward to pull Draco into place outside the Inner Circle. The silver-armed wizard dumped Malfoy to the ground unceremoniously and watched – his amusement evident - as the young man struggled to his feet. Once Draco stood, wavering slightly, Pettigrew returned to his post behind the Dark Lord.
"My loyal Death Eaters – we are moving forward quickly with our plans. Potter is weak, frightened… he does not expect an attack until much later. And so – we will surprise the boy before he has a chance to summon his Gryffindor courage," the Dark Lord said. The final two words were spoken with a sort of amused contempt that caused many of the Death Eaters to chuckle. "The time draws near, my loyal servants. Before the empty days come to a close, you will be called upon to deliver death to our enemies."
The Dark Lord fell silent and swept his gaze across the congregation, meeting each member's eyes before moving on. It was a matter of minutes before he met Severus' eyes – Severus felt the probing immediately, and was already prepared with feelings of excitement, anticipation, and loyalty. Satisfied, the Dark Lord moved on. Finally, after each member's mind had been examined, he said, "When your Marks burn green – come to me immediately. Come prepared for battle."
And then he disappeared.
The inevitable mingling occurred immediately after the Dark Lord disappeared. Though the crowd irritated him, Severus had to admit it had its advantages over the smaller Inner Circle gatherings. First of all, he and Rodolphus would have a much easier time speaking inconspicuously. And… Severus raised an eyebrow behind his mask as he noticed Krum stalking with his typical gangly gait to where the younger Malfoy stood.
It appeared his question concerning young Krum's anger would be answered after all.
Severus could not hear the words that were spoken at first, and moved closer, nodding to various Death Eaters as he passed. A quick glance around ascertained that Lucius was occupied on the other side of the Circle, deep in conversation with Macnair. Satisfied, he continued to edge closer, stopping when he saw Krum's fist shoot out and grab Malfoy by the collar. The taller man's fist twisted in the black cloth as he pulled the blond boy closer to him.
Severus was just near enough to hear the hissed words. "You vill not touch her again. Or that hole in your hand vill look like a little scratch ven I'm through."
"What's it to you, anyway?" The arrogant tone would have been more effective had the boy's voice not quavered.
"Do not vorry about that, Draco. Just remember, if you touch her again, I… Vill… Kill… You." Krum released the boy's collar and turn on his heel, loping off through the crowd.
Severus frowned. What was Hermione to Krum? Did the young man actually harbor friendly feelings towards her? Or, perhaps, more? Perhaps… he could well remember Karkaroff's ire when Krum had chosen Hermione as his date to that ridiculous Yule Ball the year of the TriWizard tournament. Krum obviously hadn't done it on Karkaroff's orders, and while Severus had assumed at the time that it was simply a show of teenage rebellion… perhaps he had been mistaken.
His musings were cut short when he heard Rodolphus' voice beside him. "Interesting."
"Quite."
"Walk with me, friend."
Casting a quick glance around, Rodolphus and Severus moved to a spot far from the other members of the Inner Circle. "So… the battle draws near."
"Yes." Severus kept his voice steady and calm. Before the Dark Lord Summoned the other Death Eaters, he had given the Inner Circle information concerning the upcoming battle. The lesser Death Eaters would be sent to Hogsmeade, to draw attention away from the true battle, which would take place at Hogwarts. The Dark Lord would hold back from the fight until the Inner Circle members had taken care of the resistance at Hogwarts, and then he would Apparate in through the defunct wards and face Dumbledore (if he still lived) and then, ultimately, Potter. The Dark Lord obviously saw Potter as an afterthought.
Severus had to admit it was actually a very good plan... if not for the spy in their midst.
Rodolphus quickly cast a silencing charm and said, "Lucius stared at you the entire time his son was being reprimanded. You were not at an angle to see, but it is evident that he blames you, Severus."
Severus turned to Rodolphus. "Have you heard anything else concerning the information you shared with me last?"
"No, friend. There has been another visit, but I could not get Bella to speak of it. She is not always… lucid, you understand. There is no rhyme or reason to her speech. I will owl you immediately if I hear anything."
"Thank you, friend – but be wary… there are many eyes to intercept an owl."
Rodolphus glanced at Severus. "Did you forget to whom you speak, friend? Any information I have for you will be given in person. I will send an owl with a meeting place, nothing more, if I can make sense of Bella's ravings."
"I see." Severus noticed the other man's tense form. "It is unfortunate that she could not withstand the Call… though it is not surprising. She was a strong woman, but the Blood Rites linkage…"
Rodolphus nodded curtly. "Yes. You understand that better than most, don't you?" Lestrange sighed and said, "The worst times… it is most difficult when she does have her times of lucidity. I have her back, for brief periods… and then it's gone. But it is still nice, to have someone to speak to." Rodolphus' eyes gleamed. "Is it not, friend?"
"I am… unsure what you mean."
"Come, Severus. The… your wife has grown on you, has she not? I can't imagine you placing the blood mark on her if you didn't have… a fondness… for her. She is a formidable witch."
"Yes, she is," Severus answered carefully.
Rodolphus nodded and looked away. "I must admit, brother, I liked her more than I expected. I felt a strange… affinity, you might say. At first I thought it was your influence, but then… the more I thought… she has touched the Call, has she not?" Severus froze next to him, and Rodolphus laughed. "Do not worry, friend – your secret is safe. The linkage was not complete, and the others will just assume it was your influence that they felt. I admire your cunning, friend. If you wish to keep her after the Dark Lord is victorious – and that appears to be your intent - her link to the Call will work to your advantage."
"You have uncovered my plan, brother," Severus replied, a wave of relief overtaking him as he considered the truth in Rodolphus' words. Even if they fell, even if the Dark Lord triumphed… he could keep Hermione safe, with his influence.
If his role as spy was not discovered, of course.
------
"We need to plan, Headmaster. We dare not wait until after the holiday."
Albus sighed and sat back. "As you say, Severus. We will call together the primary Order members in the morning and plan our defense."
Severus nodded and wrestled with himself a moment before finally saying, "Potter should be told everything." Albus raised both eyebrows, and Severus sneered at the mildly shocked look on the older man's face. "The Call. Hermione. The spells. The Blood Rites. He must know what is planned. All of it."
Dumbledore sat back and regarded Severus silently for long moments. "You think it is that close, then?" Severus nodded, blowing out a breath. "Very well. You do realize the repercussions? He is not likely to take it well."
"It was your decision to hold the information back, Hea-"
"And you agreed, Severus," the Headmaster said heatedly, the strain of recent events finally showing itself.
Severus smirked, pleased with his ability to break the old man's calm façade. "Of course I agreed. It was the correct thing to do. Getting that through the boy's thick skull, however, will not be an easy task. Which is why I think he should be told as soon as possible."
Albus eyed him irritably for a moment, and Severus was sure the older wizard was going to take him to task for his baiting. Then the Headmaster sighed and shook his head, smiling slightly. "Tell him as soon as possible, you think? Give him time to calm down, before Tom strikes?"
"Correct."
Albus nodded slowly. "I agree, Severus." He leaned forward in his chair, fixing Severus with clear blue eyes. "After tomorrow's meeting, you and your wife, along with Harry and myself, will discuss the… events... that have occurred."
"Very well. If that is all…"
Albus nodded and waved him to the door. "Go, child."
Severus made his way to their dungeons, his footsteps slowing as he approached the door to their chambers. He had – out of necessity - successfully put it out of his mind while at the Death Eater gathering, but now… he would have to face Hermione after his… revelation. While he did not regret it, precisely, he wasn't quite sure what to say to her now.
Taking a deep breath, he pushed open the door.
------
Hermione sat, staring at the fireplace, her hands held tightly together in her lap. Severus' earlier words had run over and over again in her mind, and she was terrified something was going to happen at this Death Eater gathering… well, in truth, she was always terrified when he went to Death Eater gatherings, but for some reason this time was more acute. Why? Why was he Summoned right then? Right when he told me…
The sound of the door opening interrupted her thoughts and she jumped up, her heart pounding. She could see him standing in the doorway, the black of his robes standing out starkly against the gray darkness of the entryway. Suppressing the urge to run to him, she simply watched him for a moment, unsure of his mood. Generally, after meetings she would sit quietly while he changed into his evening attire to give him a chance to regroup.
Not tonight, she resolved.
She walked to him slowly, watching his eyes to see if that strange forbidding expression returned. It didn't. He stood stock-still; his eyes on hers as she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Severus."
His arms came around her in a satisfyingly strong grip, lifting her feet from the floor as his lips met hers. She didn't know if it was just her imagination, but something felt different with this kiss, as if the confessions made before he left had changed something – some dynamic – between them. She wondered about it for a moment, until the feel of his hands moving across her skin wiped away all thought.
Almost all thought. There was one thing that remained, emblazoned in her mind, and it slipped easily from her lips. "I love you."
He stared at her, his eyes glittering in the firelight, and her stomach clenched when she saw the intensity of that gaze. It was devouring her, but also giving something back… it felt as if there were an energy flowing between them and she realized, belatedly, that there was an energy… through the bond… an emotion… and her blood sang as she recognized it.
He didn't say the words; she hadn't really expected him to. But as he lowered her to the carpet, his eyes said it… and his hands said it… and his body told her…
He loved her.
------
Hermione looked at Severus, noting the way his jaw clenched. It wouldn't be long before he lost his temper. "Yes, Fletcher. It will be soon. When the Dark Mark burns green, we are to Apparate to his location, prepared for battle." Mundungus had asked question after question, often repeating things, and Severus was at the end of his patience. Hermione was, also, if the truth be told.
Thankfully, Albus spoke before Mundungus could rile Severus further. "And we must prepare for battle, also, my friends. Which is why you were called here this morning. We must plan our defense… we have reason to believe that Voldemort plans to attack Hogwarts directly."
Minerva spoke up. "What is to be done about the students, Albus? That has to be a top concern."
The Headmaster nodded gravely. "Yes, Minerva. I would like you to lead the evacuation of the students once we are alerted by Severus that the Voldemort has called him." An in-depth discussion began, then, of all of the exits out of Hogwarts. Harry's eyes lit up as he heard that there were actually a few that did not appear on the Marauder's Map, and Hermione had to bite her lip to keep from laughing.
Severus interjected, "Do remember, however, that Hogsmeade will be swarming with the lesser Death Eaters. I think it would be unwise to lead the students out of the passages until after the battle has ended."
"What about Portkeys?" Tonks said excitedly. Hermione raised an eyebrow.
"An excellent suggestion, Tonks," Minerva said with a smile. Hermione nodded slowly. It did make sense… but the logistics seemed daunting. They certainly couldn't trust the students to keep track of them.
Remus sat forward. "Perhaps a mixture of both ideas? We can conceal ample Portkeys in the passageways. That way the students will be out of harm's way when they're activated."
"And keep them from being lost by the students before they're needed," Hermione pointed out. She caught Harry's eye before adding, "And it will also keep the students from… experimenting… with them before the time is right."
Severus glanced at her dryly.
"A very good point, Remus. And Hermione," Dumbledore said, his blue eyes dancing with humor. "Now… I will alert the Order when Severus is Summoned…" And the discussion for the defense of the castle began in earnest.
Hermione kept one ear on the proceedings but was unable to stop thinking about the Headmaster's words… When Severus is Summoned… Gods… he played such a dangerous role… it seemed beyond comprehension that he could come out of all of this alive. She glanced at her husband, his face tense with concentration as they debated various defensive strategies, and she felt a cold sliver of fear pierce her heart. Why now? Why now, when we've just discovered how we feel? And then her more logical side took over, Well, when would be a better time, really? You know how you've felt for a long while now, and likely he has felt the same but just never admitted it to himself. The speaking of it shouldn't change anything.
But it did.
Her attention was brought back to the discussion when Bill Weasley spoke up. "Soon, you said. But how soon?" His clear blue eyes – Gods, so like Ron's - showed concern. "Do we have any idea?"
Severus shook his head. "Twice, the Dark Lord mentioned the time was drawing near. When the empty days, as he said, come to a close we will attack and bring the Wizarding World to its knees… and so on and so forth," he said, waving his hand dismissively.
Hermione's breath caught.
"Typical megalomaniac rot, eh, Severus?" Tonks said, her eyes twinkling.
Hermione would have smiled, but her mind was too busy working… the empty days… what if it meant more than he thought?
"The empty days, he said? Both times?" she asked. Severus turned to look at her and frowned questioningly. "Severus? Both times, did he say when the empty days come to a close you would attack?"
"Yes, but I fail to s-"
"The holidays," she breathed. "He'll attack during the holidays. Merlin…" The entire room went silent and she felt the weight of many eyes fall on her.
"Hermione? What-" Severus began.
She shook her head. "A… friend… told me that Tom Riddle used to refer to the winter holidays as the empty days. I don't know if it's significant, but…"
Albus sighed and sat back in his chair. "I would not have remembered without your assistance, Hermione, but now I do recall that… our mutual friend… mentioned it to me once." Hermione glanced over at Remus and saw the dawning realization on his face.
The room remained silent until Albus stood. "Well. It really changes nothing for us, whether the strike occurs in the next week or the next month. Our plans remain the same. Be ready. Be wary."
There was a general murmuring as the other Order members stood and prepared to depart. Dumbledore motioned to Harry and the four of them, as planned, left the room to speak in the privacy of the Headmaster's office.
As expected, Harry didn't take the news well at all. After the Headmaster finished speaking, Harry remained sitting, his elbows on his knees, staring at the floor. "And you didn't tell me." A statement, not a question.
Albus nodded gravely. "The danger was too great, Harry."
Harry shook his head. "The danger? What about the danger you put me in, by not telling me the truth? What about that?"
"No one lied to you, Potter," Severus drawled irritably. Hermione shot him a dark look – it wouldn't do to antagonize Harry further.
"Harry, I'm sorry. We just didn't think it would be safe for you to know about me. And even if it was safe-"
"Safe? Safe? What if Voldemort had struck before now? What then? And I would have gone, blind, dumb… thinking you were the key-"
"It's not something I'm proud of, all right?" Hermione snapped, instantly chastened when she saw the look of hurt in those green eyes. "Harry… I'm sorry. It's not… it's embarrassing. I was weak. And now… well. I am still the key, possibly. Maybe the prophecy had a dual message."
"What do you mean? I thought… I thought that book with Ron's-" Harry cleared his throat "-with his blood in it. I thought that was the key."
Severus stood and paced to the window. "Potter, there are three people who can possibly perform the Blood Rites during the Final Battle." His shoulders were tense as he said in a strained voice, "Two are here in this room."
Harry frowned. "You… you have to be-"
"You to be open to the Call to perform the Blood Rites. Hermione and myself can perform the Blood Rites." The tone was clipped and cool, and only Hermione realized just how much control the dark man was exerting over himself… the emotions flooding the blood bond threatened to overwhelm her.
"But Severus can't. Not against the Dark Lord, Harry. So that's why I'm ready, it's why I could still be the key. In a way." Seeing Harry's growing confusion, Hermione quickly told him of the Blood Loyalty pledge that the Dark Lord required of his followers.
"I saw it. I saw it performed once," Harry said in an odd tone. "You… did that?"
Severus turned from the window and stared at Harry. "Twice. Once, as required by the Dark Lord." Then the black eyes shifted to fix on the Headmaster. "The second time, as required by my own resolve."
"It was not necessary, Severus. I trusted you, without that."
Severus turned back to the window. "It was necessary, Headmaster."
"Merlin," Harry breathed. "It looked… um, it looked painful-"
A soft chuckle. "And so it was, Potter. But you should know, more than most – a man does what he must."
Harry regarded the black-robed wizard thoughtfully. The anger had left the young man's face completely. "Well. It looks like we're set, then. I have a Patronus blade-" He patted his robe pocket with a smile, looking at Hermione. They had shared their revelation at the beginning of the Order meeting, to much relief and admiration. "We have the spells ready to bind his soul to an object, and we know who has to perform the Blood Rites."
"I wish it were that simple, Potter. We must avoid Hermione's involvement at all costs," Severus snapped, moving away from the window.
"Severus-"
"No! We will tell him all of it. Potter – the Call does not become a permanent part of a person's nature until one of two things occurs: Avada Kedavra is cast on another person, or the Blood Rites are performed. Of the two, Avada Kedavra creates a more manageable link."
Harry turned to stare at her, but she kept her eyes fixed on her husband.
"To quote you from earlier, Severus - I will do what I must. I'll stay close to Harry in the battle."
"And here you see her stubbornness, Potter."
Harry grinned. "I'm used to it, Sir."
A snort was Severus' only reply.
-----
The next days passed quickly. Amidst the Christmas cheer, the Order members could feel a palpable tension in the air. A feeling of suspense. Of waiting.
Portkeys were created – enough for the entire student body, in case the theory that the Dark Lord would attack over the holidays proved false. They were hidden in the passageways, and concrete evacuation plans were made. Lupin, Moody, and some of the other Order members moved into the castle for the remainder of the holidays to help with the preparations.
Tempers ran high.
"I told you Severus, there's no point in arguing about it. I'm staying close to Harry." They had been over this time and again, and Hermione was getting sick of it. She glared at him from the couch as he sat in the armchair across from her.
"Why? Why not go with Minerv-"
"Minerva's not even leaving, you overbearing bat! She's just leading the students to the passageways, making sure the prefects know what to expect, and giving them the Portkeys!"
Severus glowered. "It would still be safer-"
"Is that what you think? Come on, Severus. No one's really going to attack Harry. They'll avoid him, saving him for the Dark Lord. And I'll have a Disillusionment charm, and…"
"What?"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "I'll also have Fawkes with me. Dumbledore has asked him to stay with Harry, you know."
Severus raised an eyebrow. "Indeed?" One long finger traced his lips as he thought. "That does make a great deal of sense…"
Biting back a triumphant smile, Hermione rose to her feet and slid onto Severus' lap, straddling him. "Of course it does. I thought of it."
A snort answered her. "I want you safe."
"And I want you safe. But we both have to face it… it's a war. We knew that, before we married. It's why we married, after all." With an idle finger, she traced his jawline and ear before running her nail along the nape of his neck.
"Mmm." Severus closed his eyes. "The initial reason, yes. But there are other reasons that I would claim, if it were to happen now."
"Oh?"
"Yes. And now – you had best stop what you're doing, or we will be later for lunch than a simple spat would explain." With so few professors in the building during the holidays, all staff members were required at the afternoon and evening meals in the Great Hall. Hermione nodded reluctantly and stood after giving him a quick kiss.
Flitwick and McGonagall were the only two professors present when they entered the Great Hall minutes later. Luckily, during the holidays there was no assigned seating at the Head Table and Hermione was able to sit next to Severus for the meal. Hermione felt a weight lift from her shoulders as she spoke with Minerva about the following term's lesson plans and other innocuous subjects. When most of the students had left, venturing back to their dormitories, Minerva leaned close to Hermione.
"I almost wish it would happen now. Before the rest of the students return. This group would be much easier to handle."
"I know what you mean, Minerva." Hermione looked down at her plate and pushed the food around with her fork. Beside her, an owl landed in front of Severus. She glanced at him and he shook his head slightly as he broke the seal on the letter. "I hope it's earlier, as well… and I just can't take this waiting."
Severus stiffened suddenly and stuffed the letter into the pocket of his robes. He leaned close to Hermione and whispered, "I must go. Inform the Headmaster that Rodolphus requested to see me immediately… he has information on Malfoy."
"What-" Severus had told her of his discussion with Rodolphus and it had chilled her. Malfoy meant to move against Severus… if Rodolphus had found something else out, it would be invaluable.
"I do not know, Hermione. Stay close to our chambers and I will floo you if I can. Otherwise – I will see you when I return. Be safe."
"Be safe," she whispered as he stood and swept from the Great Hall. Hermione sat silently for a moment, willing her heart to slow, before she folded her napkin. Standing, she placed it deliberately next to her plate and said a polite farewell to Minerva.
Once in the corridor, she raced to their chambers and floo'ed Albus. He answered immediately and nodded thoughtfully when she gave him the message. "As strange as it may sound, Hermione, they are old friends. Of any of them, he can trust Rodolphus the most."
"Yes, Albus. I know."
"Good. Now, relax, child." She pulled back from the fire reluctantly and walked to the couch, sitting stiffly. Something felt wrong about this, but she didn't know what.
And now, she had to wait.
Two hours later, she heard the door open and a voice ring out, "I have brought you a gift, wife."
Hermione started at the familiar voice, a feeling of relief flooding her… until she stood and turned… and saw him. Until she saw them. Her husband was pushing another man along in front of him. She had the impression of blond hair… long blond hair… and her heart caught in her throat. Why?
Severus anticipated her question. "A gift… does it please you?" With a rough movement, Severus pushed Lucius Malfoy to the floor. The man's eyes bore a detached, glazed look that clearly told Hermione just why the Death Eater was being so quiescent. Imperius…
"Severus, I-"
"He tried to attack me, after my meeting with Rodolphus. But I was able to gain the upper hand… and now… I am tired of his attempts against me."
"Why… why did you bring him here?" Hermione's eyes were wide as she stared at Lucius Malfoy… the Call began to stir in her blood as, unbidden, images of Ron's body swam before her vision.
Severus' voice sounded very far away. "Satisfy the Call, M- Hermione."
No, that isn't right… what's… She couldn't think… the red haze was growing along the edges of her vision… This doesn't make sense…
"But, Severus…"
He answered her savagely, "He spoke, Hermione… I gave him Veritaserum, and he spoke. He told me what he did to your mother before her death. He smiled when he said it… thought it would hurt me, perhaps… I would have killed him myself, but you deserve that honor." She stared at his face, but his eyes were shuddered… like a mirror, letting nothing in and reflecting everything back to the world.
Hermione's mind reeled. He told me what he did to your mother… But what? What could be so terrible that Severus would actually bring Lucius Malfoy here and allow – no, encourage – her to take her revenge? It had to be something horrific… something terrible…
As if just murder wasn't bad enough?
Her breathing quickened as she stared at the man kneeling before her. It would take little… so little… to pull out her wand and whisper those two words… Avada Kedavra… but that wouldn't be justice.
No, it wouldn't be justice… I want him to pay... and he will…
He will pay… I will make him pay.
The red haze grew and her hand trembled as it clutched her wand. She knew… she knew Severus would not allow her to cast the spell she so longed to cast… but there were others. Oh, yes, there were others. Crucio, slicing hexes, other dark spells… so many. So many.
She raised her wand, feeling the Call pulse through her. A voice screamed in her head… Do it! It's what you've dreamed… your husband is giving you this gift! Do it! Make him scream! Make him feel just a little of the pain you feel…
Her hand shook. Another voice rose in her mind, But why? How? So cold… how can he be so cold… what did Malfoy do… what did he do… what did he say, under the Veritaserum?
The first voice was back. How badly should he be hurt, for what he did?
She shook her head, blinking sweat away from her eyes. But if it is that horrible, what Severus heard… why don't I feel anything through the bond? Revulsion, disgust… anything? There's nothing there… just… blankness…
Something wasn't right.
She had to know.
"Severus… release the Silencing spell… I want to know. I have to know. I want to hear it from his own foul mouth." Her voice was cold, but clear.
Severus stared at her with narrowed eyes for a moment before he nodded and cancelled the Silencing charm with a sharp wave of his wand. Before she could speak, he grabbed Lucius' hair and demanded, "Tell her what we discussed earlier! How Lucius Malfoy ravaged her mother's body. Tell her."
Lucius swayed, a frown beginning to form on his face, and Hermione watched closely. The man actually looked guilty! Could it be possible?
Severus' lips pulled back in a sneer. "Do it, Hermione. Trust me… it is much deserved. Crucio, Avada Kedavra."
"Avada Kedavra?" Hermione frowned. After all those talks about how she should avoid it? Something wasn't making sense… and yet… there her enemy knelt, before her… it would be so easy, so simple…
Severus looked at her oddly. "Is that not what you wish? After what he has done, what grief he has caused?" He shrugged calmly. "Very well. I can cast the final curse. It would be my pleasure, believe me. But – the ultimate revenge would be for him to feel Crucio delivered by your hand, my wife."
Hermione flicked her eyes to Lucius, staring at his cold, blue eyes. But… they weren't cold… they blazed with a strange inner fire… something… there was something he wanted to tell her.
But what could he say to make this better? He was her gift… her gift from her husband, to do with as she willed…
Do it.
Make him pay.
She raised her wand, leveling it at the blond man. Lucius shook his head and let out a gasp.
You cannot bring back the dead.
All of a sudden, she felt a jolt through the bond… fear, anger… and then that other emotion… it was so strong it almost suffocated her… with a supreme effort she forced the Call back. Snapping her gaze to Severus she noticed, with a certain amount of confusion, that his expression had not altered. No cracks had appeared in the shining black of his eyes…
Frowning, she turned gaze to Lucius. Her wand was still trained on him, and she could see a struggle on his face… nothing truly visible, just an impression of strain… Suddenly, the blond man let out a shout and threw himself to the side.
Merlin.
The Imperius was broken.
Lucius lay still for a moment, his chest heaving as he gulped huge breaths of air. She stepped backwards in shock. Severus moved forward, his wand raised, but before he could utter an incantation Lucius yelled out, "Eastenders!"
Quick as lightning, Hermione whipped her wand up and shrieked, "Stupefy!"
The dark-haired man's face registered surprise an instant before her spell hit him. As he fell heavily to the floor, she rushed forward. "Finite Incantatum," she whispered, kneeling next to the blond man. An intense wave of relief flooded through the bond as she put her arms around him. The chest was broader than what she was used to, but she clutched him to her all the same.
"Severus?" The blond man nodded and leaned against her. She closed her eyes and tried to stop shaking. "Are you hurt? Gods… I should have known…"
"You did know – I could see it. You knew something wasn't right," the blond man said, coughing.
"Polyjuice."
"Yes," he breathed. She tightened her arms around him.
"Clever, to dose you both..."
"Indeed."
"How much longer?"
The shoulders in her arms moved jerkily and she loosened her grip. His voice rumbled through his chest as he said, "I'm not certain… but it can't be too much longer. He had a… difficult… time forcing me to breach the wards on our chambers."
"So that's how… Imperius."
"He did give me Veritaserum, early on. It's worn off now… but that's how he knew about the Call. Your Call. And too much else, besides."
"We have to kill him."
The blond head shook hastily. "No – no. We can't. The Dark Lord would know, instantly… and he would probe me, to find the truth. Crabbe and Goyle both saw me with him last."
"What happened?"
"The letter from Rodolphus was a fake. Lucius must have heard – or maybe… maybe Narcissa heard it from Bella…"
"Isn't Bella insane?"
"She has lucid moments, from what Rodolphus said. And he mentioned that he still talks to her… she's his only outlet."
"Oh." Hermione chewed her lip. "So what happened?"
"Not much to tell, my dear. Three against one, and I was a fool. Taken by surprise," he said, frowning. "I wish I could kill him…"
"But you can't… not yet. So he'll have to stay here."
"No. Not here." His hair was beginning to darken and Hermione smiled with relief. It was very difficult speaking to him while he wore Lucius Malfoy's face. He pulled away from her with a groan and stood. "In one of the abandoned classrooms… I'll ward the doors and bind him." In a matter of moments, her husband stood before her once more.
"I much prefer you like this," Hermione said in relief as she took in his familiar form.
The man on the ground was also changing, hair lengthening and lightening, nose shortening… while Hermione knew that the man on the floor was the more classically beautiful of the two, she couldn't keep from drinking in the figure of her husband. And, this time, behind those black eyes she saw him.
Severus retrieved his wand from the unconscious man's robes and then cast a quick Mobilicorpus. They made their way to a nearby abandoned classroom and Severus lowered the other man to the ground – none too gently – before binding him in black cords. Hermione grinned and turned to comment on the rough treatment when a strange sliding, scraping sound came from the walls of the room. "What-"
Suddenly, a hideous screeching noise reverberated through the castle. Hermione put her hands over her ears, vainly trying to block out the sound… it was as if the castle itself was screaming…
"What is this?" she yelled over the ear-splitting sound.
Severus was not faring much better. He winced and grabbed her arm urgently. "The wards are down! Run, go, now! Alert Dumbledore and Minerva! I'm being Summoned!"
"Now?" she said stupidly as he grabbed her arm and dragged her out of the room, turning to place locking wards on the door to keep Malfoy in place.
"Now! Go!" As he stepped back to leave, she caught sight of his arm before he pulled his sleeve down. The Dark Mark glowed a livid green and she swallowed hard. This is it. Throwing her arms around him, she reached up and kissed him, hard.
"I love you," she said against his lips. "Be careful."
"I will." His forehead leaned against hers, and black eyes stared at her… deep, fathomless. "Do what you must. But you must live, Hermione. You must." She sucked in a breath as his eyes bore into hers. "I will return as soon as I am able. Stay close to Potter, don't forget the pl-"
"I know, Severus… go!"
Another tight embrace, then she heard the barest whisper from his lips… "My love."
Blinking back tears, she watched as he pulled back and waved his wand, Apparating easily through the now-defunct wards. Whirling, she pulled out her own wand and raced to the Headmaster's office, hoping fervently that he was still there.
And it begins.
A/N: And so it begins. One more chapter, I think. Possibly an epilogue, also, but don't quote me on that ;). Depends on how much fits in with next week's finale chapter.
I hope you enjoyed the chapter! A bit of preparation was necessary before the "main event." Thank you to everyone who reviewed!!! Each and every one helps keep me motivated.
And now – a little bit of pimping:
Hawklaw, with my complete approval and glee, has written a parody of Cloak of Courage called Nappies of Courage. It's a humorous look at just what might happen if Hermione and Severus, under the influence of the Call, were to have a baby. It's brilliant, hilarious, and really really has a great theory for the prophecy. I'm only bummed that I already outlined out that line before I read the ending for Nappies… LOL! It's great – go check it out on Lordandladysnape.com. Here's the link: lordandladysnape.com / viewstory.php?sid=4540 (remove spaces before and after the "/" for the link to work).
Thanks, Hawk – I love it!!!