A/N: OH MY GOD! You have no idea how sorry I am for not updating…I was going to make up a bunch of excuses and lie about why I didn't update…but I think you deserve the truth….I was abducted by aliens and was unfortunately held at their outer space fortress until I agreed to surrender the secret that could lead to the destruction of earth…but do not be alarmed…I managed to use my supernatural powers and escape...and now that I'm finally back home…I can update…

And of course…I just had to dignify a wonderful reviewer with a reply…and you sooo knew this was coming

To: synthetik pleasures

You do not have to worry…everyone will not eat you alive for being such a flamer…yet…but they can if they wish to do so after I finish…oh and p.s. Arabella…who ever you are…I just hope you know that I love you and shall be forever indebted to you…I am your slave…bowslol

first of all…I am glad you are being honest…but if you personally did not like my story…I think one review complaining about it is just fine with me…you did not have to read every chapter and leave a complaint at the end of each one…because honestly…if you hate it so much…it does not really explain why you were reading it beyond the first chapter…because you clearly did not like it from the beginning. Oh and please do not review this story just to tell me that you hate it…as Arabella said…it is childish…because I do have feelings you know…and I did not appreciate it at all…so thank you for stomping on and abolishing my pride.

Okay…you have obviously not read some of the other stories on this site…because if you think my chapters are short…then theirs must not even exist…besides…how long MY chapters are depends on how I want to write the story…if you want longer chapters because you OBVIOUSLY LOVE my story sooo much…there is such a thing called asking nicely…try adding that to your vocabulary. Oh and I'm sorry that my "short" chapters are depressing you…honestly…I don't see how you hate my story when you want to read more of it…:S

sigh…here we go again…my characters ARE acting normally…have you ever considered why the site is called fan fiction? …well let me tell you…because FANS write it…if my story revolved too much around the original book…then it wouldn't be my story…it would just be a cheap copy of something someone else created. Oh and by the way…I'm sorry my characters are "out-of-character", as I am sure for your stories…Harry and Draco have an obvious attraction to each other and that is totally IN-character.

…yes…I do know that my story is "irrelevant"…man…I think I liked my first flamer better…her/his criticism was somewhat relevant at least…oh and please…I assure you…there is nothing "screwing" my story at the moment…so therefore…it cannot be "screwed up" as you so nicely put it

here I would like to quote you on what you wrote

"wtf is with this story? its completly different. you just made your own story and borrowed the names! theyre out of charachter, out of context and there is no mention of muggles or magic and thats the whole Fing point! no offense but this is screwed up. i dont like it. the writing is also bad. shame on you. come back when you have a point."

First of all, I shall take "its completly different" (spelling mistake on your part there) as a compliment, because frankly, I do not believe in writing stories that are exactly the same as the original, because honestly, that is just boring.

Of course I just made my own story and borrowed the names! What? You want me to not make my own story! Then I suppose we all have to start plagiarizing in order to please you won't we?

I didn't mention muggles because they are not involved in my story, if you don't like it, too bad, go read some story that involves muggles

Muggles and magic are definitely NOT the whole entire point, if that is the only reason why you read fanfiction or the original Harry Potter, then I am sorry to say that you have MISSED the point of the story

Please do not swear

Yes my writing is bad, I know, and you're right, everybody that writes "bad" should all just stop trying. Because this is all very serious, fanfiction is not to be taken lightly because the fate of the world rests on the basis of only having good stories being posted up. People that write bad, such as myself, should all just stop posting up stories because it obviously disorients master writers such as yourself.

I am soooo ashamed

And yes I shall come back when I have a point, oh and by the way, what could be a possible point in these stories? You mean like morals? How about "never drink soap!" or "Always wear clothing!" ouuu! Not bad huh!

I'm sorry if any of this offends you, frankly, I don't give a monkey's red swollen behind because your flames offended me even more. We're even.

Reply to Sparrow's Lovely Lass:

Lol, the first time I read your name, I thought it was Sparrow's Lovely Ass…must have missed the L…or just not thinking appropriately at the time. I completely understand why you think my story is confusing, it is because I purposely made it that way. I'm trying to build up to the plot, if everyone understood too well what was happening, then they might be able to guess the ending and become bored. we can't have that now can we?

Reply to MolestAPeanut:

Love your name first of all…Lol…and let me explain to everybody that was confused, Snape did not try to poison her. Remember in the woods? When she saved McGonagall, but she herself took all the spells that they threw at her. When the effects came in, she fainted from the pain, so Snape, being excellent at potions, was simply giving her an antidote. Which she thought was poison. I hope that clarifies it, if you guys are confused about something, please don't hesitate to ask! I'd be happy to try to explain my corrupted writing!

Reply to PoopDog:

AAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHchoke AHAHA coff kuah..ewwaaaaahhh..bbbllleeehhhh drops dead

E/N: woah…long A/N there (but worth it), I totally agree with PoopDog thumbs up

And here's my – condensed – message for our little flamer up there..

You simply disgust the shit outta me.

And frankly I'm not wasting more breath than I have to, replying to your so called 'flames' so just take my advice:

Get a life.

Chapter Eight

Lady Ginny stared disbelievingly at the piece of offending parchment placed out in front of her. Every word seemed to reach inside her heart and carve itself again and again upon her burning flesh, embedding their cruel meaning deeper into her soul. The contrast of each black letter written on the white parchment blared out and mocked her without mercy. Her ears became red and throbbing as an increasing heartbeat pounded in her head like thunder. She took weak, laboured breaths, her bottom lip quivering in the effort. The room suddenly went cold and she felt shivers crawling up and down her spine, as if someone placed a freezing spell over her quavering body.

Slowing rising to her feet from the chair, she grabbed the letter in her trembling hands and held it a distance away from her body, as if afraid it would consume her. The cold became more evident as she felt the rest of her body begin to shiver; she stumbled blindly around before grabbing the edge of the table for support. Ginny dragged herself towards the fireplace and gazed deep into the burning flames. The letter crumbled in her fist as a drop of tear slowly made its way down her pale white cheeks. Swiping it away angrily with the back of her hand, she watched in daze and resentment as the flames in the hearth mingled and entwined with each other.

How could he? How could he do this to her? After all that he had promised, after all that they had planned together? Her expression became weary and distraught as one tear after another trailed down her pain stricken face. She had known from the beginning that their forbidden love would not last. Yet the very idea of it thrilled her like nothing she had ever felt before. The pounding of her heart when he drew near had drowned any common sense that might have surfaced. His touch made her yearn for more than just his presence; she wanted his spirit, his soul; she wanted to crush her lips against his and grind herself against his hard body. She had tried to convince herself that she was merely infatuated with him, that she did not need him. Yet, that night, two summers ago, when she found herself crying beside his wounded body, she knew, that she could not live without him.

Her mixed emotions pushed against each other to gain control over her mind and soul. She loved him, yes, but her hatred for him was overbidding. She wanted to kiss those perfectly shaped masculine lips as much as she wanted to rip them from his over-egoistical face.

A sharp rapping at her door shook her from her grief. Shaking her head, she took a deep breath and wiped away any remaining tears from her cheeks. She glanced down and quickly smoothed her dress and patted her hair. Without so much as a second glance, she threw the crumbled parchment into the fire and turned away from the flames as it consumed the cause of her misery.

"Ginny? It's Susan. Everybody is waiting for you! Hurry! Or your Lord uncle will become even more displeased…providing that's possible." She muttered the last part darkly. Susan smiled as the Lady Ginny stepped out to greet her. "I saw a messenger here moments ago – I hope it wasn't anything urgent."

Ginny gave a forlorn smile as she gently shook her head. "Nothing urgent, just my anxious father enquiring about my well being, he is always needlessly troubled about everything."

Susan laughed, "Maybe he has just received notice that my Lord Severus Snape is to be your chaperon this season. I'm sure the thought of his defenselessly daughter being in the constant presence of the 'vampire bat' is not an appealing image."

Ginny forced a tiny smile as she walked past Susan towards the staircase, her heart still contracting painfully within her chest. Missing the concerned look plastered on the other girl's face, Ginny hastened her steps down the stairs, raking her brain for a response that will prevent Susan from detecting her current depression, "I do not think he is that worried. Uncle Severus would not harm me – in front of my ever so lenient aunt that is." She finished sarcastically, practically flying down the last few wooden steps.

"Well it's best that next time you present yourself when asked," A soft voice hissed from behind her, "Or this Uncle Severus will be forced to decapitate his charming niece – your ever so lenient aunt being present or otherwise."

Turning, Ginny smiled sheepishly at her uncle before putting on her best innocent face, making sure to pout her lips and bat her eye lashes, giving herself a close resemblance to a four year old begging for candy. Before he could comment on her ridiculous facial expression, she turned again and bolted in the opposite direction; she certainly could do without a lashing from his sharpened tongue at the moment. Rushing out from the giant doors of the Mountain Inn, she was greeted with the sight of three carriages and a few tailing wagons filled with supplies. At least two dozen soldiers stood immobile, already at their designated posts – chosen for its easy defense against any attack – and a handful of knights mounted on their mares and stallions, giving last minute instructions to the soldiers and hand signaling instructions to each other when there was any change. She immediately recognized Sir Ollivander of Stoneridge and Corporal Vernon of PrivetDrive, whom were already at each other's throats, the shooting daggers evident in between their glares.

Her attention drifted to a handsome young knight sitting on a white warhorse beside Sir Ollivander. He looked extremely tall and lean with sandy blond hair and dark brown eyes; it took her a few seconds to realize that he was staring right back at her with an attractive smile hanging from his lips. He gave a small wink before raising his hand to his chest in a mock bow, Ginny hardly had enough time to blush as servants rushed up to her and ushered her into the second carriage. Too depressed to complain about the rough handling she was receiving, Ginny obediently climbed into the carriage, holding the door frame for support. Inside, she was greeted by an expressionless Countess and a cheerful Hannah that could not seem to stop shifting right and left in her excitement.

"Isn't it just lovely Ginny? We're going to be reaching the castle tonight – and it's going to be in the companionship of all these handsome men!" She giggled to herself as she craned her neck out the window to pick out who was going to be her future knight in shinning armor.

Lady Ginny could not help but smile as Hannah attempt to catch the eye of the soldier standing post beside her window. She even went as far as to drop her handkerchief right before his eyes and then put her hand to her lips in fake embarrassment. Ginny rolled her eyes in exasperation when she realized that Hannah was using her voice-reserved-for-handsome-men to ask the poor boy to hand her possession back to her. Seeming to suddenly change her mind, and her voice still three octaves higher, she giggled and told the confused looking soldier that he could keep her handkerchief as a souvenir.

The carriages lurched forward as Ginny settled herself on her leather seat and sighed. Closing her eyes, she rested the side of her head against the window, her mind slowly drifting back to the letter. She really needed to speak to Hermione; she was the only one who knew about Ginny's secret relationship – with him.

She tried to keep her tone just mildly curious as she turned to the elderly lady sitting across from her, "Aunt McGonagall, have you per chance seen Hermione? Why is she not with us?"

The Countess smirked with an evil glimmer in her left eye that Ginny found moderately horrifying, "Don't worry about a thing Ginny, she's in excellent care."

Hermione's P.O.V

When she had finally found the strength to leave her bed and get dressed, Hermione felt considerably ashamed of herself. The Countess came to have a talk with her not long after Susan had left in a hurry. By then, she had been sure the Duke was making a fair attempt at poisoning her. When she was finally informed that the rude man was actually trying to help her by making her swallow a potion with ingredients that had cost him nearly a fortune, she had turned beet red and refused to look at her mistress in the eye.

Now, helped by several servants, she stood outside the giant doors of the Mountain Inn. Hermione could already begin to feel beads of sweat forming along her hairlines as the steaming sun burned down mercilessly. Just when she thought things couldn't be worse, a strong gust of wind picked up dirt off the ground and blew them straight on to Hermione's sticky skin. Groaning, she hid the top half of her face behind her hands as she tried to prevent sand particles from entering her eyes. Still feeling as if all her strength had been forcefully removed from her body, Hermione swayed slightly on her feet. It seemed the potion could only reduce the pain to a moderate level, yet it was still enough to make Hermione grit her teeth to prevent herself from crying. Three pairs of hands held her up to prevent her from falling, and steadied her slowly to her feet. Hermione shrugged them off in irritation, she couldn't believe the Countess would assign the three most annoying females she has ever encountered in her life to help her. She could see one of the serving girls smiling gently at her from her side; Hermione could hardly contain rolling her eyes. They treated her as if she was going to die, constantly speaking to her in hushed voices and giving her encouraging looks. Hermione has never been more disgusted in her life. Looking around, she couldn't help feeling incompetent and useless as she watched Hannah, Susan along with other servants rushing around before her, waving their wands and using the limited spells that they knew to help load up the wagons and carriages.

Hearing a stifled giggle on her left, Hermione turned to look at a blushing serving girl named Petunia – who in Hermione's opinion – was the worst of the three. The bony brunette had an over loaded urge to push her long nose in other people's business. She constantly gossiped to her friends, making every second Hermione spent with her unbearable. And that's not to say much, only ten minutes after meeting her, Hermione felt like ripping her lips off her over-fraudulent face and using them to block her over-exercised throat. Ignoring Hermione's disgusted look, Petunia made eye contact with her friends and nodded towards the wagons before bursting into another fit of giggles. Hermione pulled a face before turning her head along with the other two girls to see what was so interesting. Five men stood closely huddled together as they all investigated what appeared to be a map. A stubby man with a short neck and dark brown hair was waving his chubby arms up and down in exasperation, his face red with fury. Another young fellow who seemed to be a perfect replica of the first man only heavier in weight nodded in his approval as he pointed his plump index finger to the map once more, as if to provide a supporting point to his view. The others, however, did not seem thoroughly convinced as a distinguished looking man in his late forties shook his head and consulted the map once more, completely disregarding the pudgy man and his friend.

Hermione felt a strong urge to find out what these men were arguing so intensely about, it was quite obvious that the group seemed to be split in two and vigorously detested each other. So intrigued upon the group of males, Hermione almost shrieked when she felt a firm hand on her shoulder.

"Come Hermione," said the Countess with a half smile, as she steered her towards the cluster of shouting men, making sure that she supported most of Hermione's weight against her.

Hermione drew tentative steps towards the group that automatically stopped arguing at the Countess's purposeful approach. Hermione felt slightly faint by the time they were within conversation distance as her legs threatened to give away beneath her. Not used to showing weakness, she bit down hard on her tongue and squared her shoulders. The men cast the Countess an apprehensive look before bowing low enough to show courtesy to her status.

"Hermione, I want you to meet Sir Ollivander of Stoneridge," said the Countess in a formal tone. The man in his late forties and shoulder length grey hair stepped forward and inclined his head towards her, acknowledging her presence. Hermione did not hesitate before grabbing a fist full of her skirt and curtsied the amount designated for a knight. By the time she stood back up, her teeth were firmly gritted together to prevent herself from screaming at the stinging pain currently shooting through her legs with lightening speed.

"And this, is Corporal Vernon of PrivetDrive" she continued, as a chubby man gave Hermione a disapproving glance before contorting his face to what closely resembled a smile that seemed discomforting at the same time. "His squire and only son, Dudley of PrivetDrive," persisted the Countess as she pointed towards the mass of flesh that grinned nastily at Hermione before raking his gaze hungrily over her body that made Hermione squirm uncomfortably. Shooting them both a small scowl that was quickly hid by an expected, but painful curtsy, Hermione fixed her eyes intently on the other men, making sure not to let her eyes drift over the irritating father and son again.

"Justin of Finchcove, second in command to Corporal Vernon, appointed by Severus himself," the Countess said with an approving smile that made the handsome young man blush deep crimson.

"My lady, you do me honor," Justin of Finchcove smoothly replied with a graceful bow, "and it is also my honor to meet such a beautiful lady," as his eyes met Hermione's, the corners of his mouth quirked in an attractive smile that seemed devious at the same time.

Completely unaffected by his obvious charm, Hermione inclined her head and replied evenly, "The pleasure is all mine," Her voice strangely monotone as Justin raised a perfect masculine eyebrow and smirked, his thoughts were obvious; finally – a challenge.

The others standing near by seemed unimportant to the Countess as the introductions were discontinued, "These men are all under the command of Severus, and has followed him for a very long time," the Countess said with a smile, "Sir Ollivander of Stoneridge is a trusted adviser and friend, and Corporal Vernon has been in charge of a forth of the Lord's army for almost a decade now."

"I am honored to be in the presence of such heroes," Hermione lifted her skirt and curtsied once more, the pain almost unbearable as she almost lost her balance if not for the Countess who gripped her elbow tightly.

Sir Ollivander chuckled softly to himself, "We are no heroes, sweet lil' lady, though some of us tend to pretend we are."

Obvious who he directed this towards; Hermione quickly diverted her gaze as a loud growl was emitted from Corporal Vernon of PrivetDrive. "Better than some old man who should have retired years ago." Thoroughly pleased with himself, he gave a challenging look towards Sir Ollivander, who grinned in reply.

"I couldn't possibly imagine whom you speak of Corporal; perhaps you'd like to enlighten us." He raised a slightly grey eyebrow and smiled all too kindly.

"Yes, Corporal," added Justin of Finchcove, "please, educate us."

Vernon of PrivetDrive darted his eyes and gave an apprehensive glance towards the Countess, who regarded him indifferently. He hesitated and shifted his bulk slowly on his feet, it was no secret that the Countess was close acquaintances with Ollivander, and he dared not affront the old man outright at the risk of being in McGonagall's disfavor. Vernon's face turned a dark shade of red as he gritted his teeth and racked his brain for something to say.

"Are we prepared to leave yet?" a voice hissed, sounding intensively annoyed and displeased. Everyone but the Countess and Hermione quickly bowed towards Duke Severus Snape of KingValley. Out of the corner of her eye, Hermione could see the obvious appreciative glances that the three annoying female impersonators gave towards the imposing man. Feeling absolutely disgusted with their nauseating behavior, Hermione quickly moved a few spaces away from them; the sight of their eyelashes batting faster than Hermione imagined possible was giving her a headache.

Shifting her gaze towards the tall irritable figure that was currently standing with his arms crossed. Hermione regarded the Duke with a defiant look and almost burst out laughing; his dark complexion had a sharp contrast against what seem to be the brightest of all days. His face contorted into a painful grimace, as if the sun's light was carving out pieces of his flesh one by one. 'Serves him right,' Hermione thought. If not for the present company, Hermione would have clearly voiced her opinion that he resembled a disobedient toddler who just been told to go to his room, either that, or a vampire bat that's nailed to the ground beneath the Sun God and is slowly disintegrating while still howling with pain. The second seemed so much more appealing as Hermione gave him a toothy grin and almost attempted to try her evil laugh out loud.

"Severus! There you are, I was just introducing to Hermione some of your men," Said the Countess pleasantly, ignoring the Duke's scathing glare.

"Since when has it become mandatory to be introduced to servants?" He replied, his voice bored and uninterested, "We are leaving immediately!" Severus Snape shouted to his men whom didn't need to be told twice before bowing deeply and walking towards their respective posts. Hermione, deciding to ignore his earlier comment, watched with interest as the knights and commanders mounted their horses as the foot soldiers stood by in even numbers along their designated carriages.

"Ginny!" Hermione said urgently, "I haven't seen her yet!"

The Duke emitted an exasperated growl before shouting, "Susan! Go fetch that wretched girl at once!" without waiting to see if his order has been heard, he extended a hand towards the Countess and led her towards the second carriage while Hermione and the three serving girls followed. Helping the elderly lady onto the carriage, Hermione gathered up her skirts and attempted to follow when a hand shot out and blocked her way.

"What do you want?" She hissed, daring him to give an unsatisfying reply.

"However much I loath to even think about it MAID, you will be riding with me." He smirked at her shocked and disgusted expression and didn't wait for a reply before grabbing her elbow and dragging her roughly behind him. Hermione could not stop the soft whimper that escaped her throat as her legs erupted in what seemed like burning flames. She could feel her bones creak within her contorted flesh as she emitted another, louder whimper that immediately caught the Duke's attention. Turning, he gave her red shot eyes a disgusted look before pulling her towards him, slightly more gentle this time, and grabbed the underside of her knees with his right arm and hauled her up to his chest. Ignoring the disgusted noises she was emitting as she pushed her arms against him to try and escape; he carried her firmly onto the first carriage before disposing her – a bit more harshly than necessary – onto the leather seats.

Hermione made sure the Duke received her death threatening glare as she watched him step back outside without so much as a second glance at her. She watched with hatred through the window as he walked purposefully back towards the Mountain Inn. Seconds later, he reappeared behind a slightly disheveled looking Ginny that seemed slightly dazed as she took in her surroundings before four servants rushed up to the lady and began to gently push and tug her towards the second carriage. Hermione could not but feel a pang of jealousy as she realized Ginny was going to ride with the Countess and Hannah while she was stuck with Frankensnape.

The Duke, followed closely by Susan, ambulated towards her with his normal scowl plastered on his face. Climbing onto the carriage, he chose to ignore her once more and sat on the far corner on the opposite side, as far away from her as possible. Hermione didn't mind at all as she was greeted enthusiastically by a cheerful Susan. As soon as both were settled, the Duke looked outside the window to where Sir Ollivander was waiting on horseback expectantly. Nodding his head, Duke Severus Snape gave a sharp hand motion to Sir Ollivander, who inclined his head in comprehension and rode out of Hermione's view. Shortly following, Hermione heard a firm masculine voice give an order to move out. The Carriage lurched forward immediately, surrounded by the sound of hooves and marching soldiers.

"I demand to know why I am not accompanying my mistress at once!" Hermione cried accusingly at the Duke.

Without so much as a flinch, he shifted his eyes slowly to meet hers before looking out the window once more. Hermione could see Susan waving frantically at her and shaking her head, warning her not to say anymore, but Hermione refused to give up so easily.

"Are you deaf SIRE?" Her tone became sarcastic as she regarded him with disgust. This time, he did not even bother to spare her a glance and simply pretended that she did not exist.

"Are you so afraid of humiliating yourself that you are refusing to speak at all? A good choice I must say, however –" before Hermione could finish, she was cut short by the Duke suddenly lunging forward and cornering her head between his arms once more.

"If you wish to return to your mistress MAID, you may do so! But I'll have you know that it is at HER request that you remain with me until your condition can be further explained! We do NOT know what spells the Deatheaters threw at you so UNLESS you want to suffer a horrible death – no matter how pleasing it sounds to me – then I suggest you SHUT your FILTHY servant mouth. I have suffered ENOUGH from you! I am a COMMANDER! And instead of riding I am forced to stay in these pitiful carriages like some weak woman! Do I need to remind you again of your position! You do NOT and will not EVER speak to me like that again! Do I make myself clear!" His face was red with fury by the time he was done shouting at Hermione, who only felt for a split second sorry for the man. Yet the split second did not last long as she began to scream back.

"I did NOT ask you to help me so you can stop thinking that I should be grateful to you! Do you think I asked to have spells thrown at me when all I was trying to do was protect my mistress! NO! I did not! So you can stop screaming at me as if this is all MY fault! I didn't chain you that that seat so you can go hump your horse any time you'd like! I can and I WILL speak to anyone however I'd like and it's none of your bloody business! Do I make MYSELF clear!" Hermione was breathing heavily as she envisioned daggers shooting out from her eyes and hitting their target straight in the center.

The silence that followed became increasingly tense as both members refused to divert their glares away from the other.

Feeling this was the right time to cut in before they killed each other, Susan quickly began rambling as if nothing had ever happened. "I'm glad you met Sir Ollivander Hermione," she exclaimed excitedly, "he's the nicest man that I have ever met! Though he has a nasty habit of over thinking, it sometimes takes him days to make a simple decision of whether to buy the white stallion or the brown mare. Every little factor down to the size of the horses' eye balls must be measured and considered before Ollivander would make a move."

By now, Hermione had lost complete interest in the Duke and was looking Susan with wide eyes, making it evident that she thought the other girl must be out of her mind. Severus Snape seem to have forgotten about both of their existences as he immediately performed a well practiced and over used silence spell around himself, hoping to spare his ears.

"Of course, then there's that wretched man Vernon, or Vermin we call him, though that isn't quite an accurate description for the size of him. Anyways, I'm sure you met his personal servant Petunia, that bony woman with a long neck, mind you, that's not a bad thing, she has enough neck to make up for his lack of it. What was I saying again? Oh yes, she only pretends to be only his maid, but everyone who's heard of them at all knows that she's his personal whore. The son, Dudley; Vermin says that the mother is his wife, but everyone knows he got his whore Petunia pregnant, and to save his face he made his real wife and Petunia stay inside for nine months straight, not seeing anyone, so nobody would be sure who was the one that actually conceived the fat little fart. Of course, servants gossip more than anyone else, and before you know it, almost the whole Kingdom has heard of what that Vermin and his nosey little whore did. The good thing is that the Vermin junior doesn't even know his real mother is a servant, and he treats her like shit, he's been kicking and beating on her ever since he was born. It's God's revenge on them I tell you." Susan took a deep breath before continuing with her story, "Now that Justin, he's a totally different story. Flower boy to the heart, he chases after pretty women none stop, I'm sure I saw him eyeing you with more than just a slight interested look back there. Anyways, a lady's man he might be, but a mean one with a sword. Once during battle, their camp site was attacked during the middle of the night, and Vermin was dumb enough to get himself drunk, and supposedly there were giggles coming from his tent as well, it sounded like a cow so everyone's guessing it must be Petunia, since her nickname is 'Cow'. Where was I again? Oh right, anyways, so their camp site was attacked, and Justin was just a soldier then, but most people respected him and they listened to him when he called them together. The real second in command at the time was too scared to even cry for his mother, so he just let Justin take control over everything, and pretty soon, he got his ass kicked out of milord's favor and milord put Justin in second command instead. A good choice if you as me and –" Susan stopped short as she realized that Hermione's eyes were closed and her head was leaned against the side.

She leaned in closely and peered at Hermione's face, as if hoping she'd wake up any second. After several moments, she finally gave up and sat back down, "Oh well, guess you must have been tired." Susan sighed, feeling lonely due to the lack of talking partners and began humming to herself while looking distractedly out the window.

Hermione tentatively lifted her left eyelid, making sure the crack was only big enough to see. She felt immediately relieved that Susan had bought her sleeping act, and allowed herself a small smile of triumph. Which unknowingly to her, the secretive smile was noticed immediately by Susan, who only grinned and shook her head. Her main goal had been to stop the Duke and Hermione from fighting, and though her throat could now use a large pitcher of water, she had achieved what she was aiming for – though unsure how long it was going to last.

A/N: cha cha cha cha cha CHA! cha cha cha cha cha CHA! I am finally done-NE! OH YA…WHO'S DA BEST…UH HUH! YOU KNOW IT! OH YA YA YA! OH YA YA YA! Oh and I just finished reading the sixth book, and HOW COULD THEY DO THIS TO MY POOR SEVVIE! SUCH A HERO HE WAS! NOW HE IS RUINED! HIS POPULARITY! DOWN THE DRAIN! OH WHY OH WHY OH WHY? I would keep on talking about some other stuff I read, which I have already typed but deleted, since I realize not everyone must have read it, and me screwing up the story for you is inconsiderate. So ya…READ IT!

E/N : heh… while im not really too worried about sevvie, he has his reasons.. im more concentrated on the partner JKR chose for Harry. thank you lord.. my prayers have been answered ! does victory dance

A/N: grumbles heartless beast! You heartless heartless beast! sob my poor sevvie poo! WWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!