What I Learned in 7th Year

Disclaimer: Okay this is the last one of these darn things I'm doing. I don't own Harry Potter and sadly never will. It will always belong to J.K. Rowling.

A/N: This whole chapter is a flashback so it is in italics! It's when Snape found out the plan to attack Hermione, but hopefully you will be able to tell…

Chapter 11: Memories

The sun was setting as Professor Severus Snape and Albus Dumbledore walked outside to the Apparation point. "Do stay safe Severus. We will sorely miss our Potions Master if you do not return," Albus said as they reached their destination.

"I will try Albus, but I do doubt the students would miss the greasy bat of the dungeons," Snape sneered as his hair blew around his face.

"Remember our promise Severus," the Headmaster said in a serious tone.

"Yes, yes Albus I am not to let them kill me if they try nor attempt it myself. I know, but I do not understand why you would rather have me suffer here," Severus said with a sigh. The times were getting more dangerous and Albus had made him promise against taking his own life or willingly giving it up to the Deatheaters.

"My dear boy, you know exactly why. Death is the easy way out a way none should ever take. Now go, being late could mean the fall of your disguise." And with a crack Snape was gone and the Headmaster turned to make his way up the hill to the castle.

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With a crack Snape appeared in his spot in the circle of Deatheaters. He put up his usual shield to keep his emotions in and turned to greet Malfoy. Soon there was a hush over the circle as Voldemort appeared in the middle of them all.

"I see we are all accounted for," he hissed. "Pity, I do have a little energy I was going ot enjoy using. Oh well, Malfoy get up here. Now Malfoy has new tactics for getting to that insufferable git Dumbledore and Potter."

Lucius Malfoy stepped into the middle of the circle and bowed deeply. "Thank you for the chance my Lord."

"Get up fool," Voldermort hissed.

"My Lord, we can get the Granger girl that Potter is so fond of. Getting rid of her would surely lure them out of the castle. Even Dumbledore could not keep Potter away from her if she was in danger. Draco informs me that there is a Hogwarts weekend next week. I am sure that she will be going, and Potter will not be there to protect her."

"Excellent work Malfoy," Voldemort said dismissing him.

Malfoy bent down and kissed the hem of Voldemort's robes. "Thank you my Lord, thank you."

"Now Snape," Voldemort said turning his attention to Severus. "You will offer to escort the students into Hogsmeade and then sidetrack the mudblood. Tell her you need to discuss Potions with her then when the rest of the students are gone you will bring her here. Then someone will be waiting here and they will keep her here. Someone will cast the Crucio on you to make it seem to that old wizard that you put up a fight for her. Tell them she is being held and will die soon unless they do not go get her."

Snape looked up at his 'master' and knew what he had to do. "No," he said clearly, his voice wavering slightly.

The circle stared at him like the mad man he was and Voldemort laughed. It sounded more like a hiss and made all the Deatheaters nervous. Voldemort whipped out his wand and inspected it. "Now, now Snape that was not very wise. Not very wise at all." The Dark Lord turned his wand so it pointed at Severus' chest. "Crucio," he hissed.

As the curse it Severus' body every scar he had lit up in a silver glow. They littered his arms and gave them a glow. It felt as if each scar was being remade and new ones created. He fell to the ground and gasped for air. It felt as though someone was kicking him repeatedly in the chest. He could hear the cackling of Voldemort and the nervous whispers of the Deatheaters around him. The pain increased heavily as the time wore on and a long scar on his chest was hit by the curse. He ripped at his black robes and they fell open revealing more silver scars among a pale chest, most of the scars a result of a habit long gone. Between frantic gasps for air he heard the Deatheaters taking bets on how much longer he would last. Determined to get back to Dumbledore and warn him about Hermione. He tried to push the pain away and stand. He managed to stumble to his feet before the blood rushed violently to his head. He fell back down and his head crashed down against a tree. Blood trickled through his sweat soaked hair. Fighting to keep consciousness he stumbled back up bracing the tree for support. Severus muttered the words necessary and Disapperated. He landed outside of the gate and fell to the ground. The sight of the school set adrenaline coursing through his veins as he struggled back up and began to stumble slowly up the hill.

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As Dumbledore sat in his office he heard the soft crash of the gate and knew that Snape must be back. As he looked out the window he could barely make out the Potions Master's shape, but he could tell he was stumbling. Throwing some floo poweder into the fireplace the headmaster stuck his head in and called out, "Minerva's chambers." His head appeared in her fire and he called out.

She came quickly, pulling a bathrobe around her. "What is it Albus?" she asked.

"I'm afraid Severus is hurt. Go alert Poppy and meet me down in the Entrance Hall." And with that he withdrew his head and walked briskly down. As he walked up to the doors they came crashing open and Snape staggered in.

Madame Pomfrey and McGonnagall came skidding around the corner as Severus stood staring around wildly. "Severus! Are you all right?" McGonnagall asked.

He turned in dark eyes to look at her and then collapsed on the ground. "Hermione…Deatheaters… Hogsmeade…" Where the last words he muttered before the world turned black.

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A/N: Wow I haven't updated in ages! I'm terribly sorry about that. School has been absolute hell lately. It seems all my teachers are playing who can hand out the most homework. I'll try and get my next chapter up sooner. Thanks a billion to all of you that have reviewed faithfully! Yall (yeah I'm Texan) are amazing! And a plea to you all who are reading Savior: PLEASE TELL ME HOW TO END THIS STORY!!! I'M AFRAID IT WILL GO ON FOR EVER AND LOOSE ALL PLOT! PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW TO END IT!