Here is the disclaimer meant to be on the first chapter, but I can't figure out how to edit that chapter:
I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters. I do however, own this plot and the actual writing that is included in it.
This is rated R for future chapters and consists of a Severus/Hermione pairing because they are my favorite couple.
Read on!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marching toward the Headmaster's office with his black robes billowing out behind him, Severus Snape looked like an intimidating man. If he was to be crossed at this particular moment, the full and complete extent of his dark rage would be immediately bestowed upon whoever was so lucky as to have crossed him in the first place. Severus Snape was in a bad mood and nothing was going to change that.
"I should have known," he thought, viciously attacking himself for what was about to occur, "one slight detail missed and all we have worked for is gone. If anyone dies, the blood is on my hands. It is my fault and mine alone."
Reaching the stone gargoyle that guarded Dumbledore's office. He quickly mumbled that password ("Toffee Tentacles") and briskly walked up the stairs, fully extending his long legs with every step. He burst in the Headmaster's office without bothering to knock and found Dumbledore sifting through a pile of yellowing parchment.
"Good afternoon Severus," he said looking up with the usual twinkle in his blue eyes, "what brings you here on this unexpected but welcome visit?"
"I have just returned from a Death Eater revel Albus," said Snape who began pacing around Dumbledore's spacious office.
"Well, what news do you have? Anything of interest?"
"There is always news of interest," spat Snape, "it just so happens that this time, the news requires immediate intervention and action."
"I fear that what you are about to tell me is very grave news. Please be seated, your pacing is quite annoying."
"Indeed, Headmaster, the news is grave," said Professor Snape giving up on his pacing and sitting in one of Dumbledore's plush armchairs. "The Dark Lord knows the location of the Order of the Phoenix. He will be attacking 12 Grimmauld Place before the day is done. He hopes to kill all who are inside and find what ever information he can to try to bring you and Mr. Potter to your knees, begging for mercy."
The room became silent. Dumbledore was obviously unable to respond to what had just been said. Both were thinking of the disastrous time to come and possible ways of avoiding such a confrontation.
"I knew this day would come eventually," said Dumbledore, the twinkle in his eyes replaced with a deep sorrow. "But having it happen so soon was not expected. I do believe we hid it to the best of our ability and I haven't the heart to think that anyone in the Order is a spy for Voldemort. How was 12 Grimmauld Place discovered, if I may ask?"
"Kreacher," said Snape pinching the bridge of his nose, an action reserved for only when he was extremely stressed or very annoyed.
"Of course. An am I correct in assuming that it was the Malfoy family that he went to?"
"Who else would he go to? Narcissa was the only reputable Black family member left. With Sirius gone...he was free to leave Grimmauld Place and divulge all of our secrets."
"I also assume that the attack will be today, as to have an "element of surprise" so to speak?"
"It will be today," Severus reinstated, "the most trusted, skilled and lethal Death Eaters will be summoned for this task. It is far too important for the Dark Lord to risk messing it up with untrained or unfaithful servants. He will want to make sure that no one survives. It is possible that he will be there himself to see the glory of Dumbledore's Defense burning to the ground. There is however, the possibility of attacking him while he is out in the open..."
Severus was hopeful. An end to the war with Voldemort would allow him to be a free man. He would no longer live a double life. He could pursue what he wanted, when he wanted. His stress would be lifted and he would never have to serve two masters again.
"An end to Voldemort would not change the things you have done," said a vicious voice in the back of Severus' head, "you still killed hundreds of people and raped all of those mudbloods and halfbloods. You liked it, you reveled in it. You will never erase that from your past. It will be with you always."
Professor Snape forced the voice back into silence. He was not proud of what he had done. His past was dark and menacing, just like his soul. He would never forget what he had done, but to never have to do it again would be like a heaven (if there was such a place) on earth.
"I'm afraid that an attack at this point would only end in casualties on our side," said Dumbledore with a grim face. "We haven't the people or the time to plan and execute an attack. The people in the house are in grave enough danger without the risk of an open battle. Today we can risk no more lives than that are all ready at risk."
"But Headmaster," started Snape, "when will we be ready to battle the Dark Lord?"
"I do not know Severus, but it is not today. You are well aware of who is in that house, are you not?"
"Yes Albus. They will not be captured."
"Very well," said Dumbledore, "Excuse me while I deliver this message to Arthur Weasley."
Dumbledore turned and began addressing Phineas Nigellus, who had a portrait in the old, rundown house. Severus began to wonder about what could possibly happen. Would there be a battle? If so, how could he fight without revealing his true loyalties? How could he kill anyone in that house?
"Phineas is on his way to the headquarters, surprisingly," said Dumbledore, "he's never really easy to cooperate with but..."
"Dumbledore, do you really think I care about the personality of an old portrait?"
"After this war, my boy, you need a vacation. Would you care for a lemon drop? They are quite sweet.
"I really don't think that sweets are appropriate at a time like this Albus."
"You never know Severus, you never know. Mind you, be careful when this battle occurs. Whether you believe is or not, people would miss you if you were not to come back."
"I find that highly doubtful Albus. Now, if you will excuse me, I believe I have some preparations to do."
Severus began to rise out of the plush armchair when he let out a gasp of pain and immediately sat back down, clutching his left forearm.
"The time has come," said Dumbledore reaching to touch Severus' shoulder. "Be careful my boy. Do what you can and don't get yourself killed. Good luck and may Merlin be with you."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TBC
Thanks to all of my readers and reviewers, especially: xnoxdescriptionx; tmhawk24; Vickie211; mysticdarkraven; ladyshoes1; and a big thanks to Snape-ette: I promise there will be no sudden beautifying of Hermione because just like you, it gets on my last nerves!
Hope you all enjoy CH. 2! See you in CH. 3.
sharight